Honorary Patriarch Filaret Has Died
Honorary Patriarch Filaret of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), born Mikhail Denisenko, has passed away at the age of 97. The head of the OCU, Metropolitan Epiphanius, confirmed the news. Filaret, who was born in the Donetsk region in 1929, leaves behind a profound legacy in the history of Ukrainian Orthodoxy.
Filaret's Historic Journey
During the Soviet era, Filaret served as the Metropolitan of Kyiv within the Russian Orthodox Church. From 1995 to 2018, he led the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate. His push for an independent Ukrainian church led the Moscow Patriarchate to excommunicate him in 1997. In 2018, he supported the creation of the unified Orthodox Church of Ukraine and its receipt of a tomos of autocephaly. However, a subsequent conflict with the new leadership led him to attempt to revive the activities of the Kyiv Patriarchate.
His final meeting with Metropolitan Epiphanius took place on November 5, 2025, at St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral. Following Filaret's death, Metropolitan Epiphanius expressed his condolences, stating:
'Today, there is deep sorrow and grief in my heart, as in the hearts of many Ukrainians, for the earthly journey of His Holiness Patriarch Filaret has now ended.' Epiphanius, Metropolitan of the OCU
His passing marks a pivotal moment in the history of Ukrainian Orthodoxy. Filaret's death represents a significant loss for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the faithful who supported him for decades. As a central figure in the establishment of an independent Orthodox church in Ukraine, his work left a deep imprint on the nation's religious and social life. His lifelong struggle for ecclesiastical independence was deeply intertwined with Ukraine's broader national journey.
Given his past conflicts with the current OCU leadership, the future development of the church situation in Ukraine may see shifts, as communities and believers seek new forms of spiritual leadership and unity.
In light of Patriarch Filaret's passing, it is important to reflect on the impact of his life and work. His contributions to the independence of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church resonate deeply within the community. For those seeking further insights into his legacy, a related article discusses the recent news of his death at the age of 98, highlighting the significant moments of his ecclesiastical journey. You can read more about it here.