Patriarch Filaret to Be Laid to Rest in Kyiv's St. Volodymyr's Cathedral: Funeral Schedule and Will Details

Farewell Ceremony for Patriarch Filaret

According to Главком: A farewell ceremony for Patriarch Filaret (Denysenko) was held at the St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral in Kyiv. Senior military leaders attended the event, including the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, and the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Andrii Hnatov. During the ceremony, Oleksandr Syrskyi signed the book of condolences and expressed his sympathies to Metropolitan Epifaniy and the Patriarch's family.

Patriarch Filaret passed away in a hospital following a severe illness, to which he was admitted on March 9. The hospitalization was due to a deterioration in his health. He remained under constant observation at a specialized facility in the capital until his death. The farewell rites at the St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral will continue throughout the evening of March 20 and all day on March 21.

Burial of Patriarch Filaret

St. Volodymyr's Cathedral, where Patriarch Filaret will be buried, has already been secured by law enforcement. In his spiritual will, Filaret recorded his vision for the future of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and his own posthumous instructions. The Patriarch stated that he had dedicated his entire life to building an independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church and also designated his final resting place-St. Volodymyr's Cathedral. The funeral service and burial are scheduled for Sunday, March 22.

Patriarch Filaret would have celebrated his 97th birthday on January 23, 2026.

Patriarch Filaret was a pivotal figure in the history of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, playing a crucial role in its establishment and development. His passing has resonated widely, as he was not only a spiritual leader but also a symbol of the Ukrainian church's independence. The farewell ceremony and subsequent burial at St. Volodymyr's Cathedral underscore the significance of his contribution to Ukraine's history and religious life. His leadership spanned a critical period in Ukraine's post-Soviet nation-building, making his funeral a major national event.

As the nation mourns the loss of Patriarch Filaret, it's important to reflect on his significant contributions to Ukraine's independence. Former leaders have shared their insights on how his leadership shaped the country's spiritual and political landscape. For a deeper understanding of his impact on national independence, read more in our detailed coverage assessing his legacy.