UOC Glorifies Venerable Confessor Philaret of Zverynets

Kyiv—On the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent, April 6, 2025, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and all Ukraine performed the canonization of the Venerable Confessor Filaret (Kochubey), the abbot of the Zverynets Monastery. The solemn service took place at the Holy Archangel Michael Monastery of Zverynets in Kyiv.

The Press Service of the UOC reported that the official decision of the Holy Synod on the canonization was read out by Metropolitan Clement of Nizhyn and Pryuky. After the life of the newly revealed saint was read, the troparion, kontakion, and hymn to the saint were chanted for the first time.

After the reading of the Gospel, the Primate of the UOC delivered a homily, in which he emphasized the significance of the confessor’s struggles in modern times and the relevance of St Philaret's spiritual legacy for today's Orthodox Christians. In light of the ongoing persecution of the UOC itself, the message was especially timely.

The service was also attended by: Metropolitan Antony of Boryspil and Brovary, the UOC's Chancellor, Archbishops Jonah of Obukhiv, Kassian of Ivankiv, Sylvester of Bilohorodka, Bishops Lavr of Irpin and Mark of Borodianka, as well as numerous clergy and faithful.

During the service, special prayers were offered for peace in Ukraine and assistance to all those affected by the ongoing conflict. In a special prayer, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry asked the Lord "to grant wisdom to the authorities, strengthen the courage of the soldiers, free the captives, heal the sick, and provide shelter to those left without homes".

At the end of the service, the Primate of the UOC visited the ancient caves of the Zverynets Monastery, where the holy fathers labored, and venerated the relics of the monastery.

The Venerable Confessor Philaret (Kochubey) was the abbot of Zverynets Monastery during the Bolshevik persecution of the Church. He is known for his unwavering faithfulness to Orthodoxy and ascetic life. He endured numerous trials for his faith but remained faithful to Christ and His Church until the end.

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