Patriarch Filaret Laid to Rest in Kyiv Amid Grand Farewell

The farewell ceremony for Honorary Patriarch Filaret, a pivotal figure in Ukrainian Orthodoxy, took place on March 23, 2026, in Kyiv. The funeral service was held at St.

Volodymyr's Cathedral, where the patriarch's coffin was interred in accordance with his wishes. Reports indicate that the service attracted a diverse gathering, including both clergy and laypeople, demonstrating the deep respect and affection held for him across Ukraine.

Prior to the funeral, a memorial service was conducted by Metropolitan Epiphanius at St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery.

This poignant event offered many the opportunity to pay their final respects before the funeral procession. As the procession moved from the monastery through the historic Sophia Square, it was filled with solemnity and reverence.

Thousands of participants, including clergy members, dignitaries, and ordinary citizens, joined in honoring his legacy. Filaret, who passed away at the age of 97, was born Mykhailo Antonovych Denysenko and served as a central figure in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church for decades.

He led the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate from October 1995 until the church's restructuring in December 2018 when he was designated Honorary Patriarch following the receipt of a tomos from the Ecumenical Patriarch. This transition marked a significant moment in the church's history and emphasized Filaret's lasting impact on the spiritual independence of Ukraine.

Among the attendees at the funeral were prominent Ukrainian leaders, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, who highlighted Filaret's contributions to Ukrainian spiritual and cultural life. Zelensky's presence, along with that of other high-ranking officials, underscored the national importance of the event.

The ceremonies not only commemorated Filaret's life and work within the church but also reflected broader themes of national identity and unity within Ukraine. His leadership and vision played a critical role in shaping the spiritual landscape of the country during a pivotal time in its history.

The turnout at his farewell services symbolizes his profound influence and the void his passing leaves in both the religious community and the nation at large.