Metropolitan Filaret, a significant figure in Ukrainian Orthodox history, has passed away. Known widely as the Patriarch of the Kyiv Patriarchate, he was instrumental in the founding of the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
Born in the Donetsk region, in the village of Blahodatne, Filaret’s family suffered losses during the Holodomor and the Second World War, shaping his future. After studying in Odessa and Moscow religious schools, he rose quickly within the church, working in Moscow, Saratov, Kyiv, and abroad.
In 1962, Filaret was consecrated as a bishop, soon becoming a metropolitan and gaining considerable influence in the church. His career developed during Soviet times, when advancement in church hierarchy required approval from the security services. Filaret openly acknowledged this necessity for career progression in that context.
In the 1990s, Filaret became an initiator of the creation of the independent Kyiv Patriarchate, tirelessly developing the church and advocating for services in the Ukrainian language. After independence, he actively championed autocephaly, despite pressure from the Moscow Patriarchate.
His role in forming the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and in obtaining the Tomos of autocephaly was decisive. Filaret’s authority helped resolve internal church conflicts and maintain unity. For his notable contributions, he was awarded the title Hero of Ukraine.
In his later years, disagreements arose regarding the division of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Kyiv Patriarchate, but shortly before his death, he reconciled with Metropolitan Epiphanius, providing hope for unity in Ukrainian Orthodoxy.
Metropolitan Filaret will be remembered as one of the key figures in Ukraine’s religious and national revival, his work having a lasting influence on the country’s contemporary church history.
