He is a noted theologian and public activist. He has spent many years helping the Ukrainian Orthodox Church assert its place in the international religious community. He was the one to come up with the idea of full canonical independence for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Kyiv Patriarchate.
On this festive occasion Patriarch Filaret received messages of greetings from President Petro Poroshenko and Prime Minister Volodymyr Hroisman. “Thank you for your dedicated service to the Lord and our people over so many years, for your prayers for peace and accord in our land! I appreciate your wisdom and patriotism, your active effort in asserting Christian values within our society, in strengthening the main principles of Ukrainian statehood,” read the President’s message on http://www.cerkva.info.
COMMENTARY
Liudmyla FYLYPOVYCH, an expert on religion:
“I believe that Patriarch Filaret cuts a figure on a historical scope for Ukraine. His destiny has been closely linked to that of our country. He has never done anything that had nothing to do with Ukraine. He was Exarch of Ukraine under the auspices of the Russian Orthodox Church for quite some time. It was thanks to him that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under the auspices of the Kyiv Patriarchate became a reality.
“Patriarch Filaret is a wise man with a pragmatic mind. He knows his priorities and his self-discipline is amazing. He demands the same from his clergy, on all levels. Another important thing is that he is prepared to accept fresh, progressive ideas. He keeps a sensitive finger on the pulse of the times while remaining true to his Eastern Orthodox rules. His daily efforts, his tenure serves as proof that he is prepared to face challenges. Over the years, he has made a number of changes in his religious structure, and he has also changed. Despite his age, he is keeping pace with the times. He is a dynamic personality and knows what has to be done in the first place.
“The visage of a church largely depends on the image of its leader. What we know about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Kyiv Patriarchate, we largely owe to its Patriarch. This man is respected and admired by clergymen and parishioners. He is open-hearted, democratic, always ready to talk to the man in the street. And he is a true believer.
“Patriarch Filaret is a born statesman. His statements are something many a politician would envy. He is a devout patriot, he knows what will happen if Ukraine takes a step in the wrong direction. He is a champion of truth and faith.”
