Zelenskyy Mourns Patriarch Filaret

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine expressed his deep condolences over the passing of Patriarch Filaret, a pivotal figure in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The announcement was made through the official presidential website on March 20, 2026.

Patriarch Filaret was lauded by President Zelenskyy as a “strong personality” and a steadfast defender of the Ukrainian Church, its independence, and statehood. “The Ukrainian people will always honor his contribution to building an autocephalous Church,” Zelenskyy stated, acknowledging Filaret’s significant role in the nation’s religious and national achievements.

The President recalled Filaret’s efforts in teaching and inspiring unity around the vision of a strong and independent Ukraine. “Without the energy, character, and courage of Patriarch Filaret, many of Ukraine’s achievements simply would not have been possible,” he added. The nation mourns the loss of a revered leader whose life was dedicated to the spiritual and national upliftment of Ukraine.