On March 22, 2026, during the funeral service at the St. Vladimir Cathedral, His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphaniy of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine reflected on his last meeting with the late Patriarch Filaret. Despite his critical health condition, the 97-year-old patriarch had predicted he would be present at the cathedral that Sunday.
Metropolitan Epiphaniy recounted that during a recent visit to Filaret in the hospital, the patriarch expressed confidence that he would attend the service. Initially, clergy members received these words with skepticism, given his deteriorating health.
However, Filaret’s prophecy came to fruition as his body was brought to the cathedral on the anticipated day, where he had served for over six decades. “He said he would be here on Sunday – and he is here, with us in prayer,” noted Metropolitan Epiphaniy, emphasizing the spiritual legacy of the deceased patriarch.
In his address, Epiphaniy also reminisced about private conversations with Filaret, where they often discussed love as a fundamental aspect of faith. Concluding his remarks, he reaffirmed the commitment to continue Filaret’s mission:
“We will continue to pray for the victory of truth and a just peace for Ukraine.”
Death of Patriarch Filaret: Key Updates
On March 20, news broke regarding the passing of Patriarch Filaret, the honorary leader of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, who died at the age of 98. He had been hospitalized earlier that month due to health complications.
Metropolitan Epiphaniy highlighted that Filaret’s teachings on the importance of unity within the Ukrainian Church around the Kyiv throne would remain in the hearts of many.
Later that day, the body of the late Patriarch was transported to the St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery in Kyiv, where a public farewell began in the evening. The funeral rites took place on March 22.
Metropolitan Epiphaniy shared reflections on Patriarch Filaret's final moments and his fulfilled prophecy during the funeral service at St. Vladimir Cathedral. The late patriarch's teachings on church unity remain a significant part of his legacy.