On May 22, 2023, the SSU announced suspicion of Metropolitan Longin of Bancheny and accuses him of “inciting inter-religious hatred.” This was reported on the telegram channel of the SSU.

“During the liturgies, he spoke disparagingly about the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, calling it the “church of the Antichrist” and “satanic.” Thus, he offended the religious feelings of believers and provoked an aggravation of the internal situation in the region,” the statement says.

The SSU conducted a linguistic examination, which “confirmed the facts of the cleric’s criminal activities.”

According to the materials of the SSU, the bishop was informed of suspicion under article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (incitement of inter-religious hatred).

The text says that “the issue of choosing a measure of restraint is currently being decided. An investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crime.”

Measures against Metropolitan Longin were carried out by SSU officers in the Chernivtsi region together with the National Police under the procedural leadership of the district prosecutor’s office.

Earlier it was reported that on May 22, 2023, on the square in front of the Chernivtsi police department, believers of the UOC gathered for a prayer standing in support of Metropolitan Longin. Subsequently, the metropolitan appeared in the presence of the police and told the parishioners that he had been released from custody.