Patriarch Filaret's Funeral to Be Held at St. Volodymyr's Cathedral in Kyiv

Farewell to Patriarch Filaret

According to Главком: Honorary Patriarch Filaret, who passed away following a severe illness, will be laid to rest in Kyiv on March 22, 2026. He had been hospitalized on March 9, 2026, after his health deteriorated. The Patriarch, who celebrated his 97th birthday on January 23, 2026, left a spiritual testament specifying St. Volodymyr's Cathedral as his final resting place. His death marks the passing of a towering figure in modern Ukrainian religious history.

A two-day farewell was held on March 20 and 21, 2026. During this period, a memorial Divine Liturgy, led by His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphanius, took place at the St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral. This gathering provided a solemn occasion for many faithful and clergy members to pay their respects to the late spiritual leader.

Funeral Rite and Burial

The funeral service and burial are scheduled for Sunday, March 22, 2026, at St. Volodymyr's Cathedral. Patriarch Filaret leaves behind a profound legacy within the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, and his passing has prompted deep mourning among the faithful. His burial at the cathedral will fulfill his final wishes and provide a permanent memorial to his lifelong dedication to the church's development and spiritual life in Ukraine. As a foundational leader of the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine, his influence extended far beyond the pulpit.

The Patriarch's death signifies the end of an era for Ukrainian Orthodoxy, which he led for many years. His contributions to the establishment and growth of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine will be remembered not only by believers but also by historians analyzing the nation's religious and social transformations. The farewell ceremonies have served as a significant event for the many who regarded him as a spiritual guide and a symbol of the church's resilience during challenging periods for Ukraine.

The passing of Patriarch Filaret has not only left a significant void in the Orthodox Church of Ukraine but has also prompted the election of a new leader. As the church navigates this transition, it is crucial to understand the implications of his legacy on the future of Ukrainian Orthodoxy. For insights into the new patriarch's election and the direction of the church following this pivotal moment, read more about the new leadership in the Ukrainian Church.