UOC canonizes Venerable Philaret, the Confessor of Zverinets

Venerable Philaret. Photo: UOC

On October 23, 2024, the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church canonized Archimandrite Philaret (Kochubei), the last abbot of the Kyiv-Zverinets Hermitage, reports the UOC press service.

Venerable Philaret, the Confessor of Zverinets, became renowned for his faith and resilience under persecution of the Church in the Soviet Union.

Archimandrite Philaret was arrested in 1931 by the Kyiv GPU on charges of anti-Soviet agitation. Following his arrest, he was sentenced to exile in Kazakhstan, which was later changed to confinement in a labor camp. He spent his final years in harsh conditions in the camp and ended his earthly journey in a mass grave near Arkhangelsk. The exact date of his death remains unknown.

The commemoration day of Venerable Philaret will be observed on December 14, the day of his monastic tonsure and the issuance of his final sentence, which marked the last stage of his life, characterized by his confession of faith.

As previously reported by the UOJ, the UOC Synod also canonized Blessed John Pokhodenchyk.

Read also

Common Easter date with Orthodox still a long way off – Vatican rep

The Vatican’s ambassador to Ukraine said that dialogue on synchronizing the calendar is ongoing, but no tangible progress has been made.

Persecuted UOC сommunity сelebrates its patronal feast in Mali Dorohostai

In the Rivne Eparchy, the persecuted community of the Church of St. Spyridon of Trimythous marked its patronal feast.

Catholic monastery in Germany to open escape room for visitors

The Norbertines of Roggenburg have devised a way to attract visitors as the abbey prepares to celebrate its 900th anniversary.

Cherkasy court extends preventive measure against Metropolitan Theodosiy

The judge left unchanged the preventive measure imposed on the UOC hierarch in four criminal cases.

UOC parish in Lisbon celebrates 5th anniversary of its founding

The community of the Church of St. Spyridon of Trimythous in Lisbon marked its patronal feast and the fifth anniversary of its founding.

Pope says true Christians can have no enemies

Pope Leo XIV reflects on martyrdom as a “birth into heaven” and on Christmas joy a the choice of "justice even at great cost,” making celebration possible even amid suffering.