Patriarch Filaret, a key figure in the establishment of an independent Orthodox Church in Ukraine unaffiliated with Moscow, has died at the age of 97, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) reported on Friday, March 20.
In a statement, the OCU said Filaret died following complications from chronic illnesses.
“The Primate and the Kyiv Metropolis of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine announce with deep sadness to the all-Ukrainian flock that on March 20, 2026, from the consequences of exacerbation of chronic diseases, in the 98th year of life, 77th year of monasticism, and 65th year of hierarchal office, His Holiness Patriarch Filaret of Kyiv and All Rus’-Ukraine reposed in God,” the statement reads.
Filaret, born Mykhailo Denysenko in 1929 in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, was one of the most influential religious leaders in modern Ukrainian history and played a central role in the push for church independence from Moscow.
Role in Ukrainian church independence
Filaret led the Ukrainian Orthodox Church during the final decades of the Soviet Union and later became a driving force behind the creation of the Kyiv Patriarchate.
He was instrumental in the process that led to the December 2018 Unification Council which established the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine – separating it from the Moscow Patriarchate.
The OCU credited Filaret with preserving church life during Soviet-era restrictions and supporting Ukraine’s religious and national revival.
Despite later internal disputes within the Ukrainian church, Filaret remained an influential figure and retained the honorary title of Patriarch.
In 2019, he was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine, the country’s highest state honor.
The OCU said funeral arrangements will be announced separately.