Video released shows Met Longin being taken from the court by ambulance

Metropolitan Longin (Zhar) at a court hearing on October 30, 2024. Photo: Bancheny Monastery

On October 30, during another court hearing in the case of Metropolitan Longin of Bancheny, the hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church felt unwell and asked for an ambulance to be called. A video from the courtroom was published on the YouTube channel of the Bancheny Monastery.

In the video, it is evident that people are trying to help the bishop manage an attack, as his hands are shaking. Paramedics, who arrived at the scene, take Metropolitan Longin away on a stretcher.

During the hearing, the court was considering the matter of allowing witness testimonies against the archbishop, with the witnesses requesting that their statements not be recorded on video. The bishop's defenders and the bishop himself objected. Metropolitan Longin questioned why the individuals whose accusations led to his trial were afraid to make their statements publicly.

In his statement, he asserted that he is simply “defending his Orthodox faith” but is treated like a criminal.

The judge, however, granted the prosecution’s request and prohibited the recording of witness statements.

Additionally, the lawyers requested to postpone the hearing until the next day to review the substance of the charges.

In turn, Metropolitan Longin asked for the court to be postponed due to his poor health. The judge denied his request and insisted on waiting for the paramedics, who, according to her, were to assess his condition.

As a result, the hierarch was hospitalized directly from the courtroom.

As previously reported, another court hearing is scheduled for today, October 31. The Bancheny Monastery brethren are asking for prayers for the bishop.

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