Zelensky says Patriarch Bartholomew offered condolences over Filaret’s death
Zelensky and Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: Phanar press service
Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople expressed his condolences to President Volodymyr Zelensky over the death of Filaret Denysenko, according to an official statement released by the Ukrainian presidential press service following their meeting in Istanbul.
In the statement, Denysenko was referred to by the title used in the OCU.
“Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his condolences over the passing of the Honorary Patriarch of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine, Filaret,” the text said.
The statement does not say whether the Patriarch of Constantinople himself used the title “Honorary Patriarch of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine” in reference to Filaret.
The report on the meeting issued by the press service of the Church of Constantinople makes no mention of Filaret.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that, according to Fr. Vadym Novynskyi, Zelensky is waging his campaign against the UOC in alliance with Patriarch Bartholomew.
Read also
The Alexandrian Diocese Marks the 25th Anniversary of the Glorification of Nicholas of Iskrovka
A festive divine service dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the glorification of a hieromartyr of the region in the 20th century was held in Iskrovka, Kirovograd Oblast.
Rivne Eparchy provides update on mobilized 59-year-old cleric
The UOC eparchy reported that Archpriest Pavlo Stepaniuk has passed a military medical examination, has legal grounds for discharge, and will temporarily serve in Mlyniv.
Zelensky orders all archives on Volhynia massacre opened
Following a meeting on relations with Poland, the Ukrainian president announced a decision to open archival documents concerning the Volhynia massacre and expand exhumation work.
Prosecutors seize church taken over by OCU in Bushevo
A Kyiv region court invalidated ownership of the Holy Trinity Church, which was seized by Dumenko’s supporters in 2025, and transferred it to the state.
Kyiv authorities hold forum to discredit UOC communities in Europe
At the event in the capital, attended by representatives of the Presidential Office, DESS, and security agencies, UOC parishes abroad were portrayed as an instrument of Russian influence.
Dumenko predicts UCCRO meeting will be held in Crimea
The OCU head expressed confidence that Crimea would soon be liberated.