Archbishop Nykodym Elected New Patriarch of Kyiv

Archbishop Nykodym, born Volodymyr Kobzar and currently serving as Archbishop of Sumy and Okhtyrka, was elected during an extraordinary session of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kyiv Patriarchate. He announced his election on Facebook, sharing a video that captures the moment of the voting process.

The synod's decision was accompanied by a formal proclamation, declaring Nykodym as the Patriarch of Kyiv and all Rus-Ukraine. This election comes in the wake of the passing of Patriarch Filaret, a significant figure in Ukrainian Orthodoxy, who died at the age of 97 on March 20, 2026.

His death was met with a national outpouring of grief, as he played a crucial role in the church's history. Present at the farewell ceremony for Filaret were President Volodymyr Zelensky, his wife Olena, and several other top military and government officials, highlighting the patriarch's influence over both spiritual and national matters.

The farewell services for Patriarch Filaret at St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral in Kyiv will continue until March 22, allowing the faithful and dignitaries to pay their respects.

The church has deep historical roots and plays an essential role in Ukrainian identity, thus making this leadership transition especially significant as the country navigates ongoing challenges. Nykodym's election could signal a new direction for the church in addressing contemporary issues facing Ukraine, both domestically and in relation to broader geopolitical dynamics.

As the new Patriarch, he will likely focus on unity within the Orthodox community, especially following the recent loss of a leader who was central to the church's operations during turbulent times. Members of the clergy and laity alike will look to Nykodym for guidance as the church continues to adapt to evolving spiritual and societal landscapes in Ukraine.

His leadership represents a potential for renewal and change in a period marked by both loss and hope for the future.