Russian Orthodox Church
Born on August 19, 1965 in the village. Petrashivka of Glyboksky (now Hertsaevsky) district of Chernivtsi region. In 1971-81 studied at secondary school with. Petrashivka.
In 1991-95 studied in absentia at the Novo-Nyametska (now Chisinau) Theological Seminary. In 2002-2007 Studied at the Chernivtsi Orthodox Theological Institute.
On January 18, 1990, Bishop Anthony (Moskalenko) of Chernivtsi and Bukovina ordained him a deacon, on January 19 of the same year - a presbyter, after which he was appointed rector of the Paraskevsky church in the village. The basement of the Glyboksky (now Hertsaevsky) deanery, the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Boyany of the Novoselitsa deanery and the Paraskevsky temple with. Banchens of the Glyboksky (now Hertsaevsky) deanery of the Chernivtsi diocese.
On April 30, 1996, with the blessing of Archbishop of Chernivtsi and Bukovina Onuphry, he was tonsured a monk with the name Longinus in honor of the martyr. Longinus Sotnik (October 16/29). The tonsure was performed by the secretary of the Chernivtsi diocesan administration, Archimandrite Meletiy (Egorenko).
Since 1996, in pursuance of the decision of the Synod of the UOC (magazine No. 51 of December 6, 1996), he carried out the construction of the Ascension Monastery in the village. Banchens of the Hertsaevsky district, Chernivtsi region, which was consecrated by His Beatitude Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine Vladimir in 1998.
Since 1999, fulfilling the decision of the Synod of the UOC (magazine No. 29 of December 28, 1999), he carried out the construction of a convent in honor of the Boyana Icon of the Mother of God in the village. Boyany, Novoselitsky district, Chernivtsi region.
Simultaneously with the improvement of the monasteries, he was engaged in the construction of a shelter for orphans. The shelter was located in the Banchen monastery, and then transferred to the village. Molnitsa in the Gertsaevsky district, where a complex of buildings for a new shelter was built. On September 29, 2002, the shelter was consecrated by His Beatitude Metropolitan Vladimir of Kyiv.
By the decision of the Synod of the UOC (magazine No. 54 of July 16, 2008), he was approved as abbot of the Ascension Banchensky Monastery in the village. Bancheny Hertsaevsky district, Chernivtsi region. with his elevation to the rank of archimandrite.
From July 31, 2006 to September 2011, he supervised the construction of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in the Banchensky Monastery, which was consecrated by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' on October 2, 2011.
For outstanding personal achievements in the implementation of the state policy of social protection of orphans and children deprived of parental care, and many years of charitable activities, in 2008, by decree of the President of Ukraine, he was awarded the title Hero of Ukraine.
By the decision of the Synod of the UOC dated May 8, 2012 (magazine No. 47), he was elected Bishop of Banchensky, vicar of the Chernivtsi diocese.
He was named bishop on May 21, 2012 in the Church of All Saints of the Kyiv Panteleimon Monastery in Feofania. Herotonisan on May 22 during the Liturgy in the cathedral church of the Panteleimon Monastery. The services were led by His Beatitude Metropolitan Vladimir of Kiev.
On August 17, 2022, during the Liturgy in the Assumption Cathedral of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine elevated him to the rank of archbishop.
On August 17, 2022, during the Liturgy in the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry elevated him to the rank of metropolitan.
Metropolitan Longin (Korchagin): “The ring of digital control is shrinking”
The Tsargrad TV channel continues its “coronavirus” series of interviews with bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church. Today’s conversation is with the head of the Saratov Metropolis, Metropolitan of Saratov and Volsk Longin (Korchagin).
The other day it became known that for the upcoming holiday of the Holy Trinity, Pentecost, the doors of most Orthodox churches will finally be open to believers. The unfortunate situation of the last two months, when due to the COVID-19 pandemic the majority of Orthodox Christians were unable to participate in divine services, is coming to an end. It is about this and much more that Constantinople talks with Metropolitan Longin of Saratov and Volsk.
The text version of the conversation is published with slight abbreviations. Watch the full version on our YouTube channel.
Coronavirus and “black PR”
Tsargrad : Vladyka, thank God, we have waited for those days when churches began to open for parishioners in Moscow and many regions of our country. What is the situation in the Saratov Metropolitanate? Did you manage to overcome the pressure that you spoke about in a comment on our channel on the eve of Easter?
Metropolitan Longin (Korchagin) : Yes, then we resolved this situation, and on Easter in many of our churches people were able to pray during services. In small quantities, of course, which was due both to medical precautions and to the fact that the majority of people stayed at home, being impressed and frightened by the information about the epidemic that could already be heard from everywhere.
And, strictly speaking, this is correct, since we ourselves, turning to people, especially the elderly, those who are called the “risk group,” urged them to stay at home and thus make some kind of sacrifice so as not to become infected and not serve as a source of infection for those around you. But those who had a strong desire were able to take part in the Easter service. But then churches and monasteries were mostly closed to parishioners. Nevertheless, divine services were performed everywhere, the clergy cared for the believers, and everyone who had the need to confess, take communion and, in one way or another, participate in the Church Sacraments could do so.
Of course, the situation was very difficult: both for us, the clergy, and for all believers. I have received and continue to receive many messages in which people express grief at being deprived of participation in church life for such a significant period of time. But I really hope that the situation will change for us by Trinity. So far, however, our local authorities are only saying that they are ready to allow visits to cemeteries on Trinity Sunday, but I think that maybe everything else will be allowed. Of course, if we serve with the participation of parishioners, then, most likely, in the open air, with appropriate markings, observing the mask regime and other necessary measures.
Ts .: And this will truly be a joyful event. Many priests say that people perceive this almost as a summer Easter. Unfortunately, most of us missed Easter days and were not able to visit churches during this period. But now, it turns out, for many there will be a real “June Easter”...
Lord Longinus : Of course. A lot of people flock to the temple. And to be honest, the main concern I have now is what to do if too many people come with the opening of churches.
Ts .: But let’s return to the past difficult days for all of us. And first of all, for you, whose consistent position has caused serious pressure. To the point that rumors have appeared in some online public pages that you are almost planning to resign even from the position of ruling bishop, head of the diocese and metropolis, and even leave the Church altogether. There was information that the Saratov diocese was almost going to go to court about this. I would like you to personally comment on this unpleasant situation.
Lord Longin : In general, it is always a regrettable situation when “black PR” is used, no matter against whom. A well-known rule applies here: the more monstrous the lie, the more willingly they believe in it. True, no one here believed this, people were simply outraged, and there was a very vivid and quite strong reaction from many people. I don’t know who comes up with such fantasies. However, yes, it happened.
But for me personally, there was one very kind, positive moment in all this: I was surprised at how many people found it necessary to express their support for me. I had no idea that there could be so many of them. And here, in Saratov, and in other places. As for the prospect of filing a lawsuit, we didn’t even have such a thought. I stopped most of these impulses because I think that it is disproportionate neither to the event itself nor to those who started it, but just attracting unnecessary attention.
As I understand it, the laws of “black PR” live on their own, separately from ordinary human life. Therefore, it seems to me, the main thing is not to get involved in such controversy, but simply to calmly move past it.
Conversation with Metropolitan Longin of Saratov and Volsk. In the studio - Mikhail Tyurenkov. Photo: Tsargrad.TV
Political and religious sectarians “on the march”
Ts .: Unfortunately, the past days have shown how many people are opposed to the Church. It is clear that this is not a majority, but simply a very active aggressive minority, but at the same time well self-organized. Neopagans intertwined with atheists, leftist groups with ultra-liberals. And even a certain “extreme right-wing” pagan tried to put pressure on you in connection with your clear position on the fact that Orthodox Christians should be in churches on Easter. How strong is the information war against the Church today, and how serious is the participation of destructive organizations in it, such as, for example, totalitarian sects? For example, in the Saratov Metropolitanate.
Vladyka Longin : The situation today is serious everywhere, throughout Russia, and even throughout the world. Quite a lot of forces today consider it their duty to fight the Church, seeing in it the main opponent of their political utopias or sectarian views. And it is very characteristic that in this struggle people of completely opposite views unite, who are antagonists in socio-political life. The opportunity to act together against the Church is immediately taken advantage of.
And indeed, we have demonstrated this quite clearly. The coronavirus situation has only brought this to light. In ordinary life, the struggle with the Church somehow dissolves in the general socio-political process, and is visible only to those who are directly involved in church life... Unfortunately, people come not only to the Church, but sometimes also to various kinds of movements antagonistic to the Church, in including political, sectarian, neo-pagan. They all consider the Church their enemy. And today’s situation, of course, has demonstrated that everything is quite serious.
As for neo-pagans, this is a big problem. It has emerged before our eyes and continues to grow. The pagans gradually turned from groups of amusing marginal reenactors into a rather dangerous force. But in our case, the situation when the leader of our neo-pagans tried to sue me and Vladyka Pachomius (Bishop of Pokrovsky and Nikolaevsky, one of the bishops of the Saratov Metropolis - Ed. ), is rather funny, since this person is famous in our province activist He has been trying to get into politics all his life, and in a variety of exotic ways. Was a communist, became a pagan. Then he joined the party, which is headed, if I’m not mistaken, by Baburin.
Ts .: Sergey Nikolaevich Baburin. The man, by the way, is a deeply religious, Orthodox man.
Vladyka Longin : Yes, nevertheless, these are the people on the ground... They just use well-promoted brands, they don’t care who takes them and where. And all to get into politics, if not through the door, then through the window.
Neopaganism. Photo: www.globallookpress.com
Ts .: The very activation of neo-paganism, of course, is also connected with the need of people to turn to traditions and roots. And they are offered a simulacrum, a kind of pseudo-tradition. Maybe the Church, represented by its hierarchy and our pastors, should show more clearly that the true Russian tradition is Orthodoxy? Including through educating people. It is known that the Saratov Metropolis has one of the most powerful theological seminaries. Maybe it is necessary to use this, including in the training of the clergy?
Bishop Longin : Yes, we are working in this direction, we are introducing our students to this problem, we have a branch of the Center of St. Irenaeus of Lyons, and this branch is engaged in anti-sectarian activities. But we must understand that, on the one hand, the same neo-pagans exploit ethnic and historical, even fictitious, fantasized things, but on the other hand, they also exploit low human passions.
After all, what is paganism? This is allowing yourself many things that Christianity does not allow - from physiological liberation to the cult of strength and cruelty, which is elevated to the rank of valor. When they say: look, look, Christianity says that you have to forgive everyone, give in to everyone, “you have to be weak”... Is it the case that we are strong, strong, courageous, we will destroy all enemies now... And there is a certain number of people who succumb to this propaganda , because it is in tune with their general structure. And of course, this is due to our general decline in education, morality, and upbringing. This is perhaps the main problem that needs to be addressed now.
I am convinced that the main fight against sectarianism, including neo-paganism, can truly consist in only one thing: adequate constant and universal preaching of Orthodoxy. “Come and see.” After all, if we give a person the concept of what faith in Christ is, what life with God is, and show him this by example, then this will give him the criterion by which he will be able to evaluate all other movements and all preachers who will start with it.
“Is the Apocalypse closer?”: Bishop Savva on the lessons of the pandemic, digital control and “atomic Orthodoxy”
Ts .: But again, it is important to show that Christianity, of course, preaches love and forgiveness, but this is not Tolstoyism, not the idea of non-resistance to evil by force. Quite recently, in this studio we spoke with Bishop Savva (Tutunov) and discussed the document of the Inter-Council Presence on the blessing of soldiers for military service. Now a very serious question is being raised: is it possible to consecrate weapons, including weapons of mass destruction. There are different positions in this regard, but there is no doubt that the blessing of the army for military service is necessary. Is it still necessary to show that Christianity is not liberal humanism?
Lord Longinus : Absolutely. And the entire history of Christianity and the history of our country testify to this. Testifies to the importance, the role that the Church has at all times attached to military service, the number of holy warriors that we have, and whom we honor precisely for their service to their neighbors, for the fact that they were not afraid to lay down their souls for them.
"Electronic concentration camp" and the Apocalypse
Ts .: But let’s return to the problem of the coronavirus pandemic. In this regard, many people now have heightened expectations of the end of the world and eschatological sentiments. Of course, this is also due to the fact that control over people is increasing, including digital control. Very acute and, in my opinion, clearly not unreasonable questions were voiced by Nikita Sergeevich Mikhalkov in his “Besogon” program, as well as in statements of the Synod of the Moldavian Orthodox Church. What is your take on these concerns?
Vladyka Longinus : The fact that the mystery of lawlessness is already in action was said a very long time ago, at the dawn of Christian history. And gradually human society is moving towards the end of its history. We remember from the Christmas carol the words “To Augustus who is the sole ruler of the earth.” Today’s development of civilization is heading towards the same unity of command. And it will indeed end with the coming of the Antichrist.
As for individual specific cases, I have been in the Church for a relatively long time, and have witnessed many of the apocalyptic fears that have arisen over the past decades and frightened many people. This includes the notorious Taxpayer Identification Number, plastic cards, and new Russian passports that people did not want to take.
I myself was born and raised in Soviet Sukhumi, and even in the years when I just started going to church, I knew that not far from Sukhumi in the mountains and forests there were hermits - monks from the monasteries dispersed during the Khrushchev years and their spiritual children. Among them there were a fairly large number of people who refused to take a Soviet passport - the same one for which in our days some refused to take a modern Russian one.
It is clear why they refused to take a Soviet passport - there is a star, a sickle, a hammer, and anti-Christian symbols. And these people lived without passports. From time to time they were raided, they were caught, put in reception centers, they sat there for 15 or some days, they were given a new passport and released with it. They came out of the reception area and ceremoniously tore it up right on the steps, threw it into the trash can and went home. They believed that this was a sign of the Antichrist.
Soviet Sukhumi. Abkhaz ASSR. 1958 Photo: Semyon Fridlyand/humus.livejournal.com
Ts .: And there were many people who thought that this was a feat...
Lord Longinus : Absolutely right. And they themselves considered it confession. And here, by the way, we can recall the Old Believers-runners who refused to take a passport of the Russian Empire, did not want to have any relations with the state, participate in the census, and so on...
Therefore, I repeat, the mystery of lawlessness is already in action. And of course, the state a very long time ago began to do everything possible to control a person and all manifestations of his life. And we see that the digital ring is gradually shrinking so that those who are interested in it can control people more deeply and comprehensively. The process is underway, and I think that the quarantine situation around the world has shown that certain forces are ready to take advantage of this. Of course, this caused a corresponding negative reaction, especially among believers. This is natural, and I think that this should be treated with great caution.
Ts .: That is, we are not talking about the fact that right now, through a vaccine or otherwise, they will introduce a certain chip to us, but with the help of 5G technology they will somehow begin to control us. But the fact that now new means of control may fall into the hands of unprincipled officials, but a moment may come when openly anti-Christian forces will be in power, perhaps even more cruel than the Soviet atheists, and these means of control, these control systems will be used them?
Lord Longinus : Of course. Moreover, we see that anti-Christian forces today are quite strong, and the Soviet communist atheistic regime is no match for them. Because those who today hate the Church, not from the point of view of some utopian “leftist” ideology, but from views with a very strong occult component, can come to power. Nikita Mikhalkov showed this quite well, and this is exactly what many people feel now. Of course, with such an outcome, control over people will be absolutely ideological.
Ts .: But do we have the opportunity to somehow resist this? Of course, first of all, through prayer, but is it also possible through some kind of conciliar action?
“Is the Antichrist near?”: Vladyka Tikhon about the End of Times, liberals, Stalin and the prophecies of Elder John
Bishop Longin : I think that the forms of self-organization of the Orthodox community that we now have should develop, and it should participate in this. Of course, this is not directly a matter for the clergy, but for the laity themselves, the people who experience such fears. And at the same time, it is very important that this normal, common-sense questioning be free from home-grown conspiracy theories and hysteria.
Because today one of the main principles of “black PR” is this: if there is a problem that cannot be hushed up, then we must try to voice it in a completely marginal context, which is unacceptable to the majority of others. And every normal person, having heard this, will wave his hand and say: well, they always talk about such things like that, we won’t listen to it...
Therefore, I personally found the statement of the Moldavian Synod somewhat unrestrained in this regard. The problem was stated correctly, but they needed to sharpen the wording.
Ts .: As Bishop Savva (Tutunov) noted in our recent already mentioned interview, they “lacked the expert component.” Although the questions posed are indeed very important and they must be asked.
Vladika Longin : I agree, this is a very accurate definition: “there was not enough expert component.” And questions must be asked.
Ts .: In general, how dangerous is this whole situation with the COVID-19 pandemic for the Church? The anti-church wave is serious, but are we able to respond to it? And, in general, how should we respond to it?
Vladyka Longinus : We must, first of all, respond to all such waves with prayer and standing in faith, a firm confession of our faith. It is most important. In general, we should be Christians, and the right lesson to be learned from the situation we are now experiencing is that many of us must re-evaluate the place of the Church in our lives.
“Summer Easter”: Orthodox churches reopen to parishioners
It is very bad when faith and church life become some kind of addendum to a person’s ordinary life. When, among other things, he also goes to church from time to time, and sometimes even takes communion... Faith and church life should be the foundation, the basis of human life. And if this is not the case, then a lot can be taken away from us. How did these two months take away...
To be honest, I listen to the conversations that are going on now, and some say: yes, people will not return to churches soon. But I expect something else - that our churches will be packed after it’s possible to go to them again. And many people - at least I see this from conversations, from correspondence, from communication - are literally yearning for church life. And of course, no video broadcast can even come close to replacing it.
Ts .: Of course, for us, Orthodox churchgoers, these days became a “moment of truth.” Many have realized that church services are not something that we can calmly attend every Sunday, but we may, out of laziness, not attend, that this is a value that can be lost...
Vladika Longin : Yes, this is the main, main feeling that everyone is expressing today. And all kinds of people.
Ts.: Vladyka, thank you for the conversation. I ask for your blessings and prayers for the team of the Tsargrad TV channel and for our viewers.
