On March 20, 2026, a telephone conversation took place between the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epfaniy, and the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Head of State expressed his deep condolences on the repose of the former Metropolitan Filaret of Kyiv.
During the conversation, special mention was made of the late hierarch’s significant contribution to strengthening Ukraine’s spiritual independence, as well as his unwavering support for the struggle of the Ukrainian people against Russian aggression.
“This is a great loss for Ukrainians. He was a strong personality and one of the most steadfast defenders of the Ukrainian Church, independence, and statehood. The Ukrainian people will always honor his contribution to building an autocephalous Church. And without the energy, character, and courage of Patriarch Filaret, many of Ukraine’s achievements simply would not have been possible. We also remember how Patriarch Filaret taught us to unite around the idea of a strong and independent Ukraine,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
