Metropolitan Longin accused the authorities of seizing churches for entertainment purposes and compared their actions to Soviet atheism

Metropolitan Longin (Zhar), the hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, sharply criticized state structures, accusing them of seizing church buildings for secular events. Bishop drew a direct historical parallel between the actions of modern officials and the methods of the Soviet godless regime, warning of the inevitability of God’s judgment for the desecration of sacred sites.

During his sermon on May 10, 2026, the hierarch stressed that churches, which are “a house of prayer for all peoples,” are now being handed over to structures not interested in spiritual life. “Do they need our churches for dancing, for concerts?”. the Metropolitan asked rhetorically, noting that the true purpose of holy places is deliberately ignored by the authorities in favor of entertainment needs.

Metropolitan Longin paid special attention to the situation around the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, which he called a clear example of spiritual desolation after government intervention. He urged the officials to stop desecrating the holy relics and free themselves from spiritual blindness. According to the Bishop, attempts to artificially create new religious structures on the basis of violence and abuse of people are doomed to failure, as the true Church cannot be built on blood.

In conclusion, the bishop recalled the tragic finale of those who fought the faith in the past, pointing to the continuity of responsibility before God for persecution. “We are in the Church of Christ,” the hierarch summarized, reaffirming the steadfastness of the faithful in adhering to the canonical order and being faithful to their shrines, despite the pressure exerted.