Bukovina, Ukraine, January 3, 2024
Photo: spzh.news
His Eminence Metropolitan Longin of Bancheny, a beloved hierarch of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church, has suffered a severe deterioration of his health under the pressure of the state’s persecution against him.
And now the hierarch, who is also the abbot of the Holy Ascension Monastery in Bancheny and adoptive father of hundreds of orphans, has suffered another loss.
Early yesterday morning, January 2, His Eminence’s house in Bukovina went up in flames, reports the First Cossack.
Thankfully, the Metropolitan was not harmed, but the roof of the house was destroyed and the structure is no longer suitable for living in.
Locals are certain it was a case of arson.
Though officially recognized as a Hero of Ukraine for having adopted hundreds of orphans, 
Ukraine going after Metropolitan Longin, Hero of Ukraine, father of 100s of orphans (+VIDEO)Ukraine’s latest hierarchical target is one of the most beloved and authoritative bishops of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
“>the state now considers him an enemy because he staunchly remains within the Orthodox Church. He is 
“It’s a great joy when you taste these bitter trials”—UOC hierarch announces state is taking him to courtHis Eminence Metropolitan Longin of Bancheny of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church, a beloved hierarch and father to 100s of orphans, announced on Tuesday that the state’s investigation against him has finished, and the matter will now go to court.”>accused of “inciting religious enmity”—the same phony charge being brought against a number of Orthodox hierarchs.
His Eminence has suffered several severe health incidents since the state launched its campaign against him. He suffered a stroke back 
Ukrainian Metropolitan, father of 100s of orphans, victim of state oppression, suffers severe strokeOne of the most beloved hierarchs of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church suffered a severe stroke and was hospitalized on Friday, July 21.
“>in July, and he was admitted to the hospital 
Persecuted Metropolitan Longin again hospitalized with heart problemsArmed security forces surrounded and searched his monastery last month, scaring the orphans who live there.”>last month with atrial fibrillation, after which he 
Persecuted Metropolitan Longin undergoes heart surgeryThe Metropolitan has been in poor health in recent years, which is only exacerbated by the pressure of the Ukrainian state’s persecution against the Church and against him personally.”>underwent heart surgery. In late December, the Metropolitan’s car was unjustifiably detained and searched. Following the incident, his condition worsened and he experienced a heart arrhythmia.
Armed security forces surrounded and searched his monastery 
Armed security forces surround Ukrainian monastery that is home to hundreds of orphans (+VIDEO)The monastery is run by His Eminence Metropolitan Longin, one of the most authoritative hierarchs of the UOC, who is also the adopted father to hundreds of orphans who are cared for at the monastery.
“>in November, scaring the orphans who live there. Furthermore, His Eminence’s previous lawyer, Valentin Sukhari, died from poisoning in November.
Hundreds of Orthodox faithful in both Bucharest and Chișinău have 
Hundreds rally in support of persecuted Metropolitan Longin of UOC in Romania and MoldovaThe protestors demanded that the Ukrainian authorities stop the aggression against the faithful, guarantee Ukrainians the right to freedom of religion, and ensure the safety and freedom of Met. Longin.
“>rallied outside their respective Ukrainian embassies in support of Met. Longin, who is ethnically Romanian.
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