Met. Longin Appeals for Release of Detained Adopted Son
The Ukrainian hierarch, while speaking about his adopted son, stressed his family's hardships and the children who depend on him.
CHERNIVTSI, UKRAINE — On December 7, 2025, Met. Longin of Bancheny reported that his adopted son, Zhar Zoria Mykhailovych, had been detained the previous day by representatives of the Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC). The announcement was shared on the Bancheny Monastery’s official Facebook page.
The metropolitan stated that his son, an orphan, is the primary caretaker of several children who will be left without support if he remains in custody. Met. Longin urged the public to assist in securing his release, writing, “Please, help free my son.”
He also noted the personal hardship he has endured, recalling that he has already buried two sons and received no state assistance. In addition, he said he is currently undergoing medical treatment and raising four children with war-related disabilities.
Met. Longin emphasized his intention to pursue every legal and public avenue to obtain his son’s freedom. Earlier this week, hundreds of faithful visited Bancheny Monastery to congratulate the metropolitan on his name day.
Previously, UOJ reported that UOC Archpriest Serhii Saviievskyi was detained by the TRC and sent to a military training ground.
