OCU announces end of Filaret schism
Dumenko and Denysenko. Photo: OCU
The OCU has declared that the Filaret schism, which began in 2019, is over. The announcement was made in a statement issued by its Bishops’ Council on July 15, 2026, and signed by Serhiy Dumenko.
The “bishops,” who met at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra seized from the UOC, stated that “despite frantic attempts by pro-Russian forces and other opponents of OCU unity to obstruct reconciliation” between Serhiy Dumenko and Filaret Denysenko, “we succeeded in overcoming the crisis that arose in 2019.”
The statement does not explain which forces allegedly obstructed Dumenko’s reconciliation with Filaret or what this reconciliation consisted of in practical terms. The OCU “hierarchs” merely noted that, for the first time, they were celebrating the Baptism of Rus’ at St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral, where Filaret had served throughout his life.
Filaret, who restored his Kyiv Patriarchate shortly after the OCU was established, continued to insist on the independence of his structure until the end of his life and forbade representatives of Dumenko’s organization from conducting his funeral.
Read also
Novynskyi: Monk’s murder stems from hatred fueled against UOC
UOC Protodeacon Vadym Novynskyi said the murder of Monk Varsonofiy at the Sviatohirsk Lavra was a manifestation of hatred, lawlessness and persecution of the Church.
Serbian Church in US denies reports of involvement in honoring Zelensky
The Eastern American Diocese of the Serbian Church commented on reports alleging that Bishop Irinej would take part in presenting an award to the Ukrainian president.
OCU cleric calls UOC an “enemy” and urges unity with Greek Catholics
An OCU cleric said the presence of the UOC in Ukraine amounts to the “presence of the enemy” and called for unification with Greek Catholics.
DESS finds Zaporizhzhia Eparchy affiliated with ROC
Ukraine’s State Service for Ethnopolitics identified three signs of ties between the administration of the UOC’s Zaporizhzhia Eparchy and the ROC through the Kyiv Metropolia.
UOC choir director and catechist school in Dnipro opens enrollment
The theological school at the St. Tikhvin Convent in Dnipro has opened enrollment in three specialties.
Serbian president visits Transfiguration Monastery in Kozji Dol
Aleksandar Vučić visited the Orthodox monastery in Kozji Dol and discussed the situation of Serbs in the south of the country.