Health condition of UOC-KP head remains serious after hospitalization

The health condition of the head of the UOC-KP Filaret Denisenko remains serious, despite some improvement after his hospitalization on March 9, 2026. The press service of the OCU reported that Denisenko is under round-the-clock medical supervision, but critical threats associated with exacerbation of chronic diseases and old age remain.

According to the press service of the OCU, Filaret Denisenko was hospitalized due to a sharp deterioration in his health and has been under constant medical supervision since March 9, 2026. All necessary measures are being taken to stabilize his condition. Despite the recorded improvement in some indicators compared to the moment of hospitalization, doctors emphasize that serious risks remain due to existing chronic diseases and 97 years of age.

Earlier, on January 23, Patriarch Emeritus Filaret turned 97 years old. He was greeted on his birthday by the Primate of the OCU, Metropolitan Epifaniy, who emphasized his significant contribution to the establishment of the autocephaly of the Ukrainian Church. In addition, Metropolitan Epifaniy visited Patriarch Filaret on several occasions. In particular, the meetings took place on November 5, 2025, at the residence of the Primate, as well as on October 26, 2025, at the residence of Bishop Filaret, where he was personally congratulated on the 30th anniversary of his enthronement.

Earlier, the head of the Sumy Diocese of the UOC-KP, Nikodim Kobzar, issued a statement in which he accused Filaret Denisenko’s blood relatives of his abduction and collusion with the OCU. According to the statement, the head of the UOC-KP was taken to St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery under the influence of psychotropic substances to sign documents. The hierarch claims that this was done against the will of the head of the UOC-KP and declares his firm intention to preserve the «Kyiv Patriarchate».