Metropolitan Longin criticizes Ukrainian officials for double standards: his sons are on the front lines, while the elite's children live abroad

Metropolitan Longin (Zhar) of the Bancheny Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church spoke about the heavy losses his family has suffered due to the war and issued a public rebuke to Ukrainian politicians. He stated that ten of his adopted sons voluntarily went to the front to defend their homeland, while the children of the ruling elite live abroad, enjoy carefree lives, and bear no sacrifices. Metropolitan Longin made this statement in one of his public addresses.

The archbishop reported that two of his sons had been killed, three returned home disabled, and the fate of the others remains unknown.

“My son carried his commander on his back for 3 kilometers. They told him: ‘Leave him, he’s dying anyway.’ But he said: ‘He’s alive, how can we leave him?’ They were abandoned… And because of that, my son became disabled for life,” said the metropolitan.

He also noted that despite all medical reports, his injured sons have still not been granted official disability status or received any state assistance:

“The military office said they would send the documents home. Still nothing. We can’t even get disability status… I already have three disabled sons at home. From the front. From the zero line. Two graves. I still don’t know about the others.”

He also recalled the tragic fate of his son Dmytro, who died shortly after publicly defending him:

“My son Dmytro, whom we buried in the monastery. That day, he spoke the truth. And defended me… By evening, he had been severely beaten. They took his bank card. And sent him to the other world.”

Comparing his family with those of officials, Metropolitan Longin posed a rhetorical question:
“Tell me, where are your children? Ours are on the front line. Yours are studying abroad. Dining in restaurants. Partying. Freely. They are doing well…”

In conclusion, the bishop stressed that he has never renounced serving Ukraine, but he demands justice and protection from lawlessness:

“What have I done wrong to our Ukraine? I love and will always love my homeland, Ukraine. We live here. But no one protects us today.”

It should also be noted that on June 18, 2025, Metropolitan Longin condemned the violent actions that took place during the seizure of the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the UOC in Chernivtsi. The archpastor called on the faithful to remain united and to defend their canonical Church peacefully.