Bancha Monastery Faces Criminal Probe Over Child Abuse and Forced Labor Allegations

Allegations of Systemic Abuse at a Religious Institution

According to Главком: A criminal investigation has been launched into the Bancha Monastery of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) following disturbing allegations of physical and psychological abuse against children in its care. Former residents of the monastery's orphanage have provided testimony detailing forced labor, beatings, threats, and other human rights violations. The case highlights ongoing concerns about oversight within religious institutions in Ukraine. The monastery's abbot, Metropolitan Longin (secular name Mykhailo Zhar), is accused of orchestrating the abuses and was also involved in a drunk-driving incident in the summer of 2024.

Located in the Bukovina region near Chernivtsi, the Bancha Monastery ran an orphanage where, according to reports, children suffered various forms of mistreatment. The allegations were brought to public attention by an investigative video report presented by MP Mykola Knyazhytsky on the Espreso TV channel.

Details of the Abuse and the Ongoing Investigation

The criminal case was initiated approximately one year ago. Testimonies from former wards describe a pattern of:

• Physical violence,
• Psychological pressure,
• Forced labor,
• Threats and total control.

Specific accounts include forced marriages of girls, public stripping and beatings, and gynecological examinations described as psychological torture. One former resident recounted how Mother Theodora found his prohibited phone and 'beat him severely.' Another testified that 'the next day he called a gynecologist to check all the girls for virginity,' and that 'for a week they walked 20 kilometers on foot from home to school.'

Metropolitan Longin, who holds the title Hero of Ukraine awarded by former President Viktor Yushchenko, was involved in a car accident while intoxicated in summer 2024 near a railway crossing in the village of Strumok. The vehicle he was driving belonged to priest Todor Mihaesi, head of the St. Luke's clinic affiliated with the monastery. Chernivtsi photographer Edgar Kalancha had previously published investigations into the monastery and Longin, suggesting long-standing scrutiny of the institution.

The situation at Bancha Monastery raises serious questions about child protection and ethical conduct within religious organizations. The criminal proceedings are ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full scope of the alleged crimes.

This case could significantly impact the reputation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), underscoring the urgent need for greater oversight of religious institutions, particularly concerning child welfare. The investigation and its outcomes may serve as a critical signal to society about the necessity of strengthening legal protections for children in such settings.