Health Update on Patriarch Filaret
Patriarch Filaret's health condition has improved, and he is currently under constant medical supervision. The 97-year-old church leader was admitted to a Kyiv hospital on March 9 due to a deterioration in his health and is now undergoing examinations and treatment. Patriarch Filaret, who celebrated his 97th birthday on January 23, 2026, also formally executed a spiritual testament on that occasion. His health is closely followed by the faithful, given his pivotal role in the history of Ukrainian Orthodoxy.
Spiritual Testament and Expressions of Support
The spiritual testament is a key document outlining his vision for the future of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and his posthumous directives. During his treatment, Patriarch Filaret was visited in the hospital by clergy from the Volodymyr Patriarchal Cathedral, namely Protopriest Borys Tabachek and Protopriest Ioan of Kyiv. The cathedral's rector, Protopriest Borys Tabachek, conveyed sincere greetings and wishes for a swift recovery from the clergy and parishioners to His Holiness.
The entire fullness of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate and the community of the Patriarchal Cathedral daily offer intensified prayers for the health of His Holiness Patriarch Filaret and hopefully await his return to his flock after recovery. — Protopriest Borys Tabachek
Patriarch Filaret has also expressed gratitude to all those praying for his health. This support from the faithful and clergy underscores his importance within the life of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. He continues his treatment, with all hoping for his rapid recuperation.
The patriarch's health is a matter of significant concern for many adherents and supporters of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. His long-standing leadership and spiritual testament could substantially influence the church's future development, particularly amid contemporary challenges and shifts in Ukraine's religious landscape. The backing from the community and clergy highlights his enduring significance in shaping the spiritual identity of Ukrainians.