Farewell to Patriarch Filaret
The farewell and funeral services for Patriarch Filaret of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine will be held in Ukraine on March 21-22, 2026. His body currently lies in repose at St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral. On March 22, it will be transferred to St. Volodymyr's Cathedral for burial, in accordance with the late Patriarch's will.
The farewell period began on March 21, 2026. On the evening of March 20, His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphanius conducted a memorial liturgy. The public farewell will continue until the morning of March 22, when a final memorial liturgy will be held. Following this, a solemn procession will carry the Patriarch's body to St. Volodymyr's Patriarchal Cathedral, where the burial rite will be performed, adhering to church tradition and the deceased's wishes.
Illness and Legacy
Patriarch Filaret passed away following a severe illness while hospitalized. He was admitted to the hospital on March 9, 2026, due to a significant deterioration in his health. He had celebrated his 97th birthday on January 23, 2026. The Patriarch also left a spiritual testament, which recorded his chosen burial site and his vision for the future of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
On March 21, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy honored the memory of the Patriarch. His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphanius characterized Filaret as
"an unbreakable builder of the local Church,"highlighting his pivotal role in the development and establishment of Ukrainian Orthodoxy. Filaret was a foundational figure in the movement for an independent Ukrainian church.
The schedule for the farewell and funeral is as follows:
- On Saturday, March 21, the body will lie in state at St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral throughout the day, with open access for the faithful.
- On Sunday, March 22, a memorial liturgy will be held in the morning, followed by a solemn procession transferring the body to St. Volodymyr's Patriarchal Cathedral for the burial rite.
Patriarch Filaret was a key figure in Ukrainian Orthodoxy, profoundly influencing the formation and development of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. His passing is a significant event for believers and the wider church community, as evidenced by the numerous tributes and ceremonies in his honor. The farewell to Filaret is not only a goodbye to a prominent spiritual leader but also a moment for reflection on the future of Ukrainian Orthodoxy, which he sought to solidify through his testament.
As the nation prepares to bid farewell to Patriarch Filaret, it is essential to reflect on his profound influence on Ukraine's journey towards independence. Former leaders have shared insights on his pivotal contributions to the establishment of a sovereign Ukrainian church, highlighting his enduring legacy. To understand more about how his leadership shaped national identity, read our detailed analysis of Filaret's impact on Ukraine's independence.