The Death of Patriarch Filaret and Its Aftermath
Patriarch Filaret, a pivotal figure in the history of Ukrainian Orthodoxy, died on March 20, 2023, after being hospitalized for a severe illness since March 9. His funeral service was held at the St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral, and he was buried at the St. Volodymyr's Cathedral. His passing was a significant event for the entire religious community and all believers, marking the end of an era. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate (UOC-KP) was subsequently dissolved by the state, a move that has reshaped the country's religious landscape.
In response, seven bishops of the former UOC-KP convened for an Archbishops' Council on the evening of March 20 and the morning of March 21, demonstrating swift action on matters of succession. On March 21, they elected Archbishop Nykyfor of Sumy as the new Patriarch. This development highlights the complex and ongoing process of consolidation within Ukrainian Orthodoxy, which has been seeking greater independence from the Russian Orthodox Church.
The Status of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine
The Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), which was formed as a result of the Unification Council on July 27, 2019, had grown significantly by July 2025. Its structure included:
- 45 eparchies (dioceses)
- over 9,000 religious communities within Ukraine
- more than 90 monasteries
Oleksandr Sahan, a professor, religious scholar, and Doctor of Philosophical Sciences, commented on the situation, stating: 'Forget about the UOC-KP. That institution no longer exists. During Filaret's lifetime, he directly controlled roughly a dozen and a half communities. A similar number existed in the diaspora. The fact that not all former KP communities have legally re-registered under the OCU is no reason to treat them as separate entities.'
These events underscore significant shifts occurring within Ukraine's religious sphere against a backdrop of broader societal transformation. The death of Patriarch Filaret and the formal dissolution of the Kyiv Patriarchate represent critical junctures in the history of Ukrainian Orthodoxy that require continued observation. The new Patriarch, Nykyfor, now faces the task of stabilizing the church and guiding its future development amidst contemporary challenges. This process will likely influence relations between various religious communities and the state, as well as the overall spiritual life of the nation.
The recent passing of Patriarch Filaret has not only left a profound impact on the Ukrainian Orthodox community but also set the stage for significant changes in the church's leadership. As the funeral service takes place at St. Volodymyr's Cathedral, many are reflecting on the legacy of Filaret and the future of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine. For a closer look at the details surrounding the funeral arrangements and their significance, read more about the events unfolding during this critical time for the church.