US EditionPatriarch Filaret, who fought for an independent Ukrainian Orthodox church, dies at 97
Filaret led the push for Ukrainian Orthodox Church independence, culminating in 2019 recognition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine by Constantinople, amid ongoing tensions with Moscow.
- Patriarch Emeritus Filaret died in Kyiv on Friday, March 20, 2026, at age 97, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine announced, citing an exacerbation of chronic diseases.
- Breaking from the Russian Orthodox Church in 1992, Filaret Denysenko co-founded the Kyiv Patriarchate to establish Ukrainian church independence from Moscow's authority.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Filaret a "steadfast defender of the Ukrainian church," while the Verkhovna Rada issued a tribute noting his significant contribution to preserving church life during Soviet-era repression.
- Despite a 2020 suspension following conflicts with Metropolitan Epiphanius of Kyiv over church structure, the two leaders reconciled in late 2025, praying together for Ukraine's victory in its war with Russia.
- Filaret's death may accelerate a reordering of authority within the OCU, potentially reviving leadership disputes that could reshape the religious dimension of Ukraine–Russia tensions.
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An era closes. At Kiev Volodymyr Zelensky and Olena Zelenska paid homage to Filaret, who died at 97 years of age, a decisive figure in the long battle for a...
Associated Press News
Patriarch Filaret, who fought for an independent Ukrainian Orthodox church, dies at 97
Orthodox Patriarch Filaret of Kyiv has died at 97. He is remembered for his work to establish an independent Ukrainian Orthodox church that was free from Moscow’s religious authority.
Former Patriarch of the Ukrainian Church Filaret, who was excommunicated by Moscow for breaking ties with the Russian Orthodox Church, has died at the age of 98, the French news agency AFP reports.
Lietuvos Radijas ir Televizija
At the age of 97, Patriarch Filaret of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has died.
Verkhovna Rada expresses condolences over death of Patriarch Philaret
Leadership of Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, people’s deputies, and staff of the Verkhovna Rada Office express condolences over the death of Honorary Patriarch of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine Philaret, the parliament’s press service reports.
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