OCU media accuse UOC-KP head's entourage of forging his "Spiritual Testament"

The “Spiritual Testament” of the head of the UOC-KP Filaret Denisenko, published on October 19, 2025, caused serious controversy among Ukrainian schismatic groups. According to testimonies from Denisenko’s inner circle, the document may be a forgery drawn up without his knowledge. The main purpose of this alleged falsification is an attempt to remove the OCU from conducting the funeral and burial of Denisenko.

According to Ukrayina Orthodoxy, a publication that lobbies for the OCU, the editorial board received reliable information that the text of the “will” was prepared by interested parties. It is noted that the content and style of the document are not typical for Filaret. According to eyewitnesses, the head of the UOC-KP, whose health condition is assessed as serious, saw the document for the first time right at the moment of signing.

Witnesses claim that before signing it, Filaret’s subdeacon warned him against this step, reminding him that the original will had been prepared in the summer. This moment was recorded on a video that briefly appeared on Facebook, but was promptly deleted. Despite the removal of the video, the comments of the users who had watched it remained online.

According to the source, the main purpose of publishing the document is to fight for “continuity” in the leadership of the UOC-KP. In particular, the paragraph concerning the rite of burial seems to be the most out of line with the general logic of the text. Thus, Denisenko’s entourage is probably trying to secure the right to organize the funeral and use it to strengthen their positions.

The publication concludes that this step will not have serious consequences for the Ukrainian schism in general. The structure of the UOC-KP has actually ceased to exist, and its mention is associated exclusively with the authority of Filaret Denisenko himself. Attempts to “revive” it are seen as a tool for attacking the OCU and the realization of the personal ambitions of Filaret’s entourage, which are unable to influence the overall church situation in the country.

Earlier, we reported that the head of the UOC-KP Filaret Denisenkomade public his “spiritual testament.” In the document, timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of his “patriarchal ministry,” he reaffirmed his rejection of the OCU, reiterated his call for the unification of all branches of Ukrainian Orthodoxy to create a church independent of Moscow and Constantinople, and outlined his instructions in the event of his death.