Patriarch Filaret Dies at 97; His Body Will Lie in State at the Cathedral Until Burial on March 22.

Filaret's Death and His Enduring Legacy

According to TSN.ua: Honorary Patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Filaret, has passed away. His body will remain at St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral until March 22, after which he will be laid to rest at St. Volodymyr's Cathedral. Filaret died on March 20 in Kyiv at the age of 97. The cause of death was complications from a worsening of chronic illnesses.

He was hospitalized on March 9 after his health took a turn for the worse. His passing is a profound loss for Ukrainians. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Filaret as a powerful figure and one of the staunchest defenders of the Ukrainian church, its independence, and statehood.

Funeral Liturgy and Tributes

A memorial Divine Liturgy in honor of Filaret will begin at 8:30 a.m. on March 22. Following the service, his body will be reinterred at St. Volodymyr's Cathedral. Metropolitan Epiphanius and other church leaders will pay their respects to the extraordinary spiritual leader and do everything possible to ensure a dignified farewell.

In this way, the Ukrainian church and society will honor his legacy and contributions to the development of religious life in Ukraine.

The late Filaret left a significant mark on the history of Ukrainian Orthodoxy. His efforts were focused on establishing the independence of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and strengthening its role in society. Notably, he worked tirelessly to unite the Orthodox community in the country and to build up church infrastructure—a crucial task amid modern challenges. Now, in his absence, the Ukrainian church faces new hurdles and the need to carry forward his mission, underscoring the importance of his legacy for future generations.