Hundreds of Orthodox Bukovynians come to support Met. Longin at the court
During the court session, the bishop reported feeling unwell.
Another session in the case of Metropolitan Longin (Zhar) was held at the Hertsaivsky District Court in the city of Hertsa, Chernivtsi region. Believers and wards of the bishop came to support him, as reported by the Bancheny Monastery.
During the court session, the lawyers filed a motion to recuse the judge due to her bias. The judge accepted their claim for consideration.
The materials of the accusation case were handed to Metropolitan Longin, and he was asked to familiarize himself with them. The bishop reported that he could not do so because he felt unwell. In the video recording of the court process, it is evident that the bishop's hands and voice were trembling as he spoke. An ambulance was called to the court.
During this time, hundreds of Orthodox Bukovynians gathered for a prayer vigil outside the courthouse. While the hearing was ongoing, the believers prayed for their bishop. Some women could not hold back their tears.
"There are no laws, utmost iniquity. They are driving our beloved bishop to this... He has done so much for people," one parishioner says emotionally in a video posted on the monastery's YouTube channel.
"Release our father," appeal the wards, for whom Metropolitan Longin has replaced their parents.
During the session, the judge coordinated with all parties the time for the next court hearing. It will take place on July 31.
After the court process ended, Metropolitan Longin did not come out to the believers as he always did and sent a request through a clergyman for everyone to disperse.
Later, the Bancheny Monastery's social networks published a message of gratitude from the hierarch to all the believers for their prayerful support.
As the UOJ previously reported, Metropolitan Longin stated that two state examinations confirm his innocence.
