Rallies in support of Metropolitan Longin, accused by Ukrainian authorities of "fomenting interreligious discord," took place outside the embassies of Ukraine in Bucharest and Chisinau. Participants in the actions demanded the release of the hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, who cares for and raises hundreds of orphaned children in the Banchensky Monastery, reports spzh.news.

The trial of Metropolitan Longin of Banchensky was scheduled for December 4, but the hearing was again postponed due to the repeated absence of the "victims." This was reported by the bishop's lawyer, addressing the numerous faithful of the UOC who came to support the bishop outside the district court building in the city of Hertsa in the Chernivtsi region.

"Today's court is unfair," said Metropolitan Longin, addressing the believers outside the courthouse. "They want to defeat our Orthodox faith, our Church," emphasized Metropolitan Banchensky.

Metropolitan Longin also called on the international community to influence the Ukrainian authorities, which, according to him, have crossed all boundaries in persecuting Christians.

"We ask the whole world, please tell them to stop tormenting the Ukrainian people. We served this state with honor and pride. Aren't you ashamed, dear leaders? Where is the constitution of our state? Where are human rights? Where is freedom of religion? We will no longer allow our priests and our people to be mocked," added the bishop.

In May, the Security Service of Ukraine accused Metropolitan Longin, who allegedly made "disparaging" remarks about the schismatic Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), of fomenting interreligious discord. In September, Metropolitan Longin was charged, and his case was sent to court. The court hearing has been postponed twice due to the absence of "victims." In early November, the Security Service of Ukraine conducted a search at the Banchensky Monastery, managed by Metropolitan Longin. The bishop called the incident an attack. According to him, the monastery and the entire Ukrainian Orthodox Church need worldwide assistance.