Epiphany notes Filaret's "contribution to the development of autocephaly of OCU"

Head of the OCU Epiphany Dumenko honored the late head of the UOC-KP Filaret Denisenko, emphasizing «his exceptional historical role in the formation of the independent Ukrainian church.» The head of the OCU called on the faithful to remain faithful to the ideals of autocephaly and continue the work of the late hierarch. This is reported by Orthodox Times.

In his message, Dumenko noted that Filaret devoted more than 70 years to church service, forming a deep spiritual heritage. According to Epifaniy, the late hierarch made an invaluable contribution to the creation and strengthening of the OCU. Despite the completion of Filaret’s earthly journey, «the memory of his good deeds remains alive, and his body was buried in the church where he prayed and preached for many years.»

Epifaniy paid special attention to «the need to preserve the independence of the Ukrainian Church from any external influence.» He emphasized that the modern mission of believers is to pray for the repose of the soul of Filaret Denisenko and to protect the spiritual freedom of the country. «The Church should develop without pressure and control from external forces,» the Metropolitan emphasized, adding that the unity of Orthodox believers in Ukraine is a key priority.

As reported, a sharp conflict broke out between the OCU and the UOC-KP over the right to conduct the burial of the deceased Filaret Denisenko. Representatives of the UOC-KP accused their opponents of «raiding» the body and violating the last will of the late head of the Kyiv Patriarchate, according to which he was to be buried in St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral in Kyiv.