Patriarch Filaret held a solemn service on the occasion of his 96th anniversary (photo).

The solemn service on the occasion of the 96th anniversary of the Patriarch of Kyiv and all Rus-Ukraine Filaret took place today, January 23. The Divine Liturgy was held at the St. Volodymyr Patriarchal Cathedral. During the service, prayers were offered to God for Ukraine, our defending soldiers, and the Ukrainian people.

Patriarch Filaret concluded the liturgy with the words: 'I tell you firmly - victory will be ours.'

Today, Patriarch Filaret is celebrating his 96th birthday. In 2014, he received the star of Hero of Ukraine on his 90th birthday, which was celebrated at the National Palace of 'Ukraine'. It was also then that Filaret supported the convocation of the Unification Council, which led to the creation of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the receipt of the Tomos.

However, a few months later, Patriarch Filaret stated that the Kyiv Patriarchate would continue its activities after joining the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. He disagreed with the fact that the new church did not receive the status of a patriarchate and demanded other conditions.

Despite this, Filaret continues to be active at the age of 96. He holds services, meets with politicians, representatives of other churches, diplomats, and laypeople.