Metropolitan Longin on persecution of the UOC: "Do not be afraid, the truth always wins"

Metropolitan Longin of Banchena addressed the faithful with a sermon in which he urged them not to be afraid of persecution and to remain loyal to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and its Primate, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufry. The bishop also spoke about the upcoming court hearings on his case and threats of forced transportation under escort.

on October 26, 2025, after the Divine Service, the Hierarch thanked the flock for their steadfastness in faith. «I am very grateful to you, dear brothers and sisters, for your faith, for the fact that you have been, are and will stand for the truth…. No matter how hard it is, brothers and sisters, God is always with us,» he said. Metropolitan Longin emphasized that the faithful have chosen the right path of salvation and must remain faithful to God and the truth, noting , «Do not forget, the truth always wins.»

Vladyka reminded that the persecution of believers was predicted by the Lord Himself. «All those who believed in the Lord God and wanted to walk in the way of the Lord were persecuted, beaten, closed in prisons. And the Lord said: «So shall it be with you.» And today we give thanks, brothers and sisters, that the Lord allowed us to take part in this persecution against God and against the truth of God,» the Metropolitan noted.

According to the bishop, by starting «a war against the Orthodox Church,» the authorities have committed «the greatest sin.» He sharply condemned the violent seizures of churches: «Is this the Church of the Lord, where blood is shed, where doors are broken? I am being judged for these words, but I do not want to go to that church.» Addressing the persecutors, he added: «You have taken away the walls, but you cannot take away God. And you can’t take away people’s faith either.»

Despite what is happening, the hierarch called the faithful to prayer, peace and love, reminding them that judgment belongs to God alone. «You have no right to hate or judge anyone, because God himself is the judge. And we are God’s children, and we must serve Him,» the Vladyka concluded.

At the end of his address, Metropolitan Longin reported on the pressure from the judicial system. He said that he will have court hearings in the coming days and was told that if he fails to appear, he will be taken under escort in handcuffs. «I’m not leaving here, I’m sick. I’m disabled… And they think I am hiding from the court. When I am at home and I have health, I go to the courts,» he explained his condition.

We will remind, earlier Metropolitan Longin of Banchena reported about the intention of state authorities to liquidate the orphanage at his monastery, where more than 300 children, including orphans, children with disabilities and victims of military operations find shelter. The statement was made on September 23, 2025 after a regular court session.