Head of UOC-KP turns 97

on January 23, 2026, the head of the UOC-KP, Filaret Denisenko, celebrates his 97th birthday. At the same time, rumors are spreading on social media that the «honorary patriarch» is in extremely poor health or even dying.

According to the press service of the UOC-KP, the hierarchs, clergy and faithful of the UOC-KP «express their sincere gratitude to God for the gift of the patriarch’s life, his long patriarchal ministry, wisdom, spirituality, courage and unwavering loyalty to the Church of Christ and the Ukrainian people.»

However, it is noteworthy that, unlike in previous years, this year the UOC-KP is not holding any celebrations on the occasion of the 97th anniversary of its leader. At the same time, some anonymous Telegram channels close to the UOC-KP and the OCU report that Filaret Denisenko is in serious health condition and even near death. However, this information has not yet been confirmed.

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».