Met. Longin thanks Romanians for their support: “My people protect me”

Metropolitan Longin. Photo: screenshot facebook.com/manastirea.banceni.ucraina

On November 16, 2023, Metropolitan Longin of Bancheny of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church recorded a video message in which he expressed gratitude to Romania and the Romanians for their support during challenging times.

"Dear and beloved Romania, today I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for being by my side during these difficult times, full of trials for me, for our Orthodox faith, and for our canonical Church," said the bishop in the video message.

He shared that his soul is filled with pain and stated, "For 42 years, I have not called anyone a mother except the Most Holy Theotokos, in whose hands my mother left me when she left this world. And today, with all my love, I want to call you, my dear Romania – my mother."

"I am sincerely grateful to all the people with great souls, those who tried to be by my side during these challenging trials," continued the bishop, particularly mentioning Mrs. Diana Shoshoake for her "confession of the Orthodox faith."

"I also thank Mrs. Alexandra Pakuraru, who touched my heart, and I cried with her. We are grateful to you. That you are with us. You are true Romanians, not just in words but in deeds, heart, and soul. I bow before you and thank you for not forgetting us," emphasized the hierarch.

The bishop thanked all Romanian brothers for their love, support, and for not leaving him alone. "It would have been very difficult for me without you. But now I am strong because my people are protecting me," highlighted Metropolitan Longin.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that around a hundred residents of Romania gathered at the Ukrainian Embassy in Bucharest for a rally in support of Metropolitan Longin.

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