Filaret Denysenko

Filaret Denysenko, the revered Patriarch Emeritus of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, is trending today, March 21, 2026, following his passing on March 20 at the age of 97. His death has prompted widespread tributes, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledging his profound contribution to the nation's independence and statehood, particularly through his unwavering advocacy for an autonomous Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Denysenko, also known as Mykhailo Denysenko, was a pivotal figure in the establishment of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Kyiv Patriarchate and a lifelong champion of spiritual freedom from Moscow's influence, leaving an indelible mark on Ukraine's religious landscape. His long and impactful life, marked by both leadership and controversy in the pursuit of an independent Ukrainian church, is being remembered across the country.