Zelenskyy and Budanov highlight Philaret's contribution to development of independent local orthodox church in Ukraine
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the contribution of Honorary Patriarch of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine Philaret (Denysenko), who died on Friday, March 20, at the age of 97, to the independence and statehood of Ukraine.
"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 the development of the local church. Without the energy, character, and courage of Patriarch Philaret, many of Ukraine’s achievements simply would not exist. We also remember how Patriarch Philaret taught us to unite around the idea of a strong, independent Ukraine," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram on Friday.
He expressed condolences to all Orthodox believers and Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine Epiphanius.
Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov noted that Philaret was a champion not only of spiritual freedom but also of Ukraine’s unity.
"His contribution to the restoration and development of the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine is decisive. Patriarch Philaret entered Ukrainian history as an unconquered fighter for our spiritual freedom, a champion of Ukraine’s unity. Eternal respect and memory," Budanov wrote on Telegram.
