The Passing of Patriarch Filaret
His Holiness Patriarch Filaret of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine has died following a severe illness. As of March 21, Kyiv is observing a second day of public mourning for the religious leader. His body has been lying in repose at St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral since the evening of March 20. The coffin was received by clergy led by Metropolitan Epifaniy on March 20, and a funeral service was held in the cathedral.
On March 21, hundreds of faithful have been arriving at St. Michael's Cathedral. The doors of the church are open to all who wish to pay their respects. Among those honoring the Patriarch are:
- Major Archbishop Sviatoslav, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church;
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy;
- Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi;
- Chief of the General Staff, Andrii Hnatov.
Oleksandr Syrskyi signed the book of condolences.
Funeral Arrangements and Burial
The public viewing at St. Michael's Cathedral will continue until the morning of March 22. Following this, a funeral liturgy and a solemn procession through central Kyiv will take place. The Patriarch's body will then be transferred to the St. Volodymyr's Patriarchal Cathedral for burial, in accordance with his will. Patriarch Filaret requested to be laid to rest in St. Volodymyr's Cathedral, where he served for over half a century.
On March 21, St. Volodymyr's Cathedral was closed to visitors, with armed police officers securing the perimeter. The cathedral is scheduled to open for services at 7:00 a.m. on March 22, with the funeral rite itself set to begin around noon.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy paid tribute to the Patriarch, stating: 'He made great efforts to ensure Ukraine had its own local church. Without his persistence and courage, the history of Ukrainian independence, our spiritual freedom, and the building of a truly strong state is unimaginable. We remember. We honor. We will be grateful.'
The death of Patriarch Filaret is a significant event for Ukrainian society, as he was a prominent figure in the history of the Ukrainian church and statehood. His efforts to establish an autocephalous (independent) church were pivotal in the nation's recent religious history. The public mourning reflects the deep respect of the faithful for his contribution to the cause of Ukrainian sovereignty. His burial at St. Volodymyr's Cathedral, where he served for so many years, underscores his profound connection to this important national site.
As the nation mourns the loss of Patriarch Filaret, reflections on his significant contributions to Ukraine's independence emerge. Former presidents have shared their insights on how his leadership shaped the spiritual and national identity of the country. To explore their perspectives and the impact of his legacy, read more in our detailed coverage regarding his role in Ukraine's independence.