Memorial Service for Patriarch Filaret
On April 28, 2026, a memorial service marking the 40th day since the repose of Patriarch Filaret will be held at St. Volodymyr Patriarchal Cathedral in Kyiv. The service begins at 9:00 AM and includes a funeral liturgy and a memorial requiem, led by Metropolitan Epiphanius, head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Patriarch Filaret passed away on March 20, 2026, in a hospital after a serious illness.
For the last 50 years, Patriarch Filaret conducted services at St. Volodymyr Cathedral, where he was later interred. The farewell ceremony for the Patriarch took place at St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery, where Metropolitan Epiphanius also held a litany for the repose of his soul.
Decision to Adopt the Revised Julian Calendar
It is worth noting that the decision for St. Volodymyr Patriarchal Cathedral to transition to the Revised Julian calendar was made after Patriarch Filaret's death, with the blessing of Metropolitan Epiphanius of the OCU. The cathedral's announcement states:
“We invite the faithful to join in communal prayer for the repose of the soul of the departed His Holiness Patriarch Filaret.”
Service schedule:
- Date: April 28, 2026.
- Start time: 9:00 AM.
- Location: St. Volodymyr Patriarchal Cathedral (Kyiv).
The church community continues to honor the memory of Patriarch Filaret, who had a significant influence on the development of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine. His legacy extends beyond liturgical practices to important decisions, such as the shift to the Revised Julian calendar. This process reflects the church's ongoing evolution and adaptation to modern circumstances, which may have far-reaching implications for the faithful. Gathering the faithful for collective prayer underscores the importance of community in church traditions and in sustaining spiritual life after the loss of a prominent leader.
As the church community prepares to honor the legacy of Patriarch Filaret, it's important to understand the broader changes occurring within the Orthodox Church in Ukraine. The upcoming shift to the Revised Julian calendar at St. Volodymyr Cathedral is a significant move that reflects the church's ongoing transformation. For more insights on this pivotal decision, you can read about the new calendar adoption and its implications for the faithful.