On the evening of March 20, a farewell ceremony for the Honorary Patriarch of Kyiv and all Rus-Ukraine, Filaret, who recently passed away, began at the St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral in Kyiv. Believers have the opportunity to say their goodbyes to this distinguished church figure until the morning of March 22. During this time, readings from the Gospel and memorial services will be held in the cathedral.
This is reported by Finway
Organization of the Farewell and Burial
It has been reported that access to the cathedral for participation in the farewell may be temporarily restricted for valid reasons; however, it is generally open to all who wish to attend. On Sunday, March 22, at 8:30 AM, a memorial Divine Liturgy will begin at St. Michael’s Cathedral, led by the Metropolitan of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Epiphanius, along with the episcopate and clergy. Following the liturgy, the rite of the deceased patriarch’s funeral will take place.
At around 11 AM, a mourning procession will depart from the St. Michael’s Monastery, passing through Sophia Square to the Vladimir Cathedral. The rites of the funeral will conclude at the Vladimir Cathedral, where Patriarch Filaret will be buried.
Condolences and Honoring Memory
On March 20, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed deep condolences during a phone call with Metropolitan Epiphanius regarding the passing of Patriarch Filaret. The message from the Orthodox Church of Ukraine emphasizes:
“The conversation highlighted the special contribution of the late bishop to the establishment of Ukraine’s spiritual independence and his unwavering support for the Ukrainian people’s struggle against Russian aggression.”
The official announcement of Patriarch Filaret’s death was made at noon on March 20. On March 9, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine had called on believers to pray for the patriarch’s health, reporting his hospitalization and deteriorating condition.
Filaret (born Mykhailo Denysenko) was born on January 23, 1929. He led the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate for many years, and since 2018, after receiving the Tomos, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine recognized him as its honorary patriarch.
In June 2022, shortly after the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Honorary Patriarch Filaret called for a unifying council to bring together three branches of Ukrainian Orthodoxy: the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, and the UOC of the Kyiv Patriarchate.
The life and activities of Patriarch Filaret have left a significant mark on the history of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the development of the country’s spiritual independence.