Patriarch Filaret's Final Journey: Body to Be Moved to St. Volodymyr's Cathedral for Burial

Farewell to Patriarch Filaret

According to Главком: The first stage of the nationwide farewell to Patriarch Filaret concludes on March 22, 2026. This morning, a funeral Divine Liturgy was held at St. Michael's Cathedral, led by His Beatitude Metropolitan Epifaniy. The service is scheduled to conclude around 11:00. Following the liturgy, the Patriarch's body will be transferred to the St. Volodymyr's Cathedral, where his burial will take place.

The farewell ceremonies began on March 20, 2026, and continued for two days, on the 20th and 21st. The burial rite is planned for today. Patriarch Filaret passed away after a severe illness. He was hospitalized on March 9 due to a deterioration in his health. It is worth noting that the Patriarch celebrated his 97th birthday on January 23, 2026. In his spiritual testament, he specified that his burial place should be St. Volodymyr's Cathedral, which served as his residence for decades.

Significance of the Event

The funeral liturgy at St. Michael's Cathedral is drawing to a close, as reported by GLAVCOM (@GLAVCOM_UA). This event marks a significant moment for the many faithful who have come to pay their final respects to Patriarch Filaret. His life and ministry left a profound mark on the history of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The Patriarch was a pivotal and sometimes controversial figure in the struggle for an independent Ukrainian church.

Patriarch Filaret, who led the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, played a major role in shaping modern church life in Ukraine.

His burial at St. Volodymyr's Cathedral will symbolize his spiritual legacy and influence on the faithful. The large crowds gathering to bid him farewell are a testament to his prominence and the respect he commanded among believers.

As the nation bids farewell to Patriarch Filaret, it is essential to reflect on his life and the arrangements he made prior to his passing. His will and the details surrounding the funeral have sparked significant interest among the faithful. For more insights into the Patriarch's final wishes and the arrangements for his burial, you can read about the funeral arrangements and his testament.