Kyiv Holds Solemn Farewell Ceremony for Patriarch Filaret as Ukraine Mourns His Passing.

Farewell Ceremony for Patriarch Filaret

According to TSN.ua: A funeral service honoring honorary Patriarch Filaret, who passed away at the age of 97, began on March 22, 2026, in Ukraine. The memorial service commenced at 8:30 AM at St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery, led by Metropolitan Epiphanius. Filaret died on March 20, 2026, due to complications from chronic illnesses. This event marks a significant moment for the nation as it bids farewell to a towering figure in its religious and political history.

Honoring the Patriarch's Legacy

Around 11:00 AM, the transfer of Patriarch Filaret's body will begin from St. Michael's Monastery, with the procession concluding at St. Volodymyr's Cathedral. This occasion serves as a powerful tribute to a church leader who left an indelible mark on Ukraine's history.

Filaret was born on January 23, 1929, in the village of Blahodatne in the Donbas region. He took monastic vows in January 1950, adopting the name Filaret. In October 1990, he was elected head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyivan Patriarchate (UOC KP).

"Moscow will never forgive the Patriarch for his choice, but Ukraine will always remember him."

Metropolitan Epiphanius

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also highlighted that Filaret was 'a person without whose persistence Ukrainian independence is unimaginable.'

Today's funeral procession reflects the deep respect and recognition of Patriarch Filaret's role in Ukraine's spiritual and national life. His contributions to building an independent church and supporting Ukrainian sovereignty will be remembered for generations to come.

The death of Patriarch Filaret signals the end of an era for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Ukrainian society as a whole. His work and principles profoundly shaped church life in Ukraine and the broader question of national identity. The commemoration of his legacy takes place amid ongoing challenges facing the Ukrainian church and society, particularly regarding relations with the Moscow Patriarchate and the pursuit of unity among Orthodox Christians in Ukraine.