Poroshenko on Patriarch Filaret: he was a great Ukrainian and entered the history of the state

Patriarch Filaret was a great Ukrainian and forever entered the history of our state.

The fifth President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, wrote about this on social networks.

“Patriarch Filaret, a great spiritual leader and patriot of Ukraine, has passed away. An entire era has passed away with him – a time of dreams about spiritual independence and the resurrection of Ukrainian Orthodoxy. A dream that has become a reality,” Poroshenko noted.

According to him, Bishop Filaret worked tirelessly and without hesitation to realize this goal, despite all the difficulties.

“It was not easy for him, and it was not easy for those who stood next to him, because the path itself was difficult. Ukraine and its Orthodox Church passed it thanks to the indomitable will of Patriarch Filaret. As it is said in the Psalm, the Lord stood at his right hand, so that he would not be shaken,” the fifth President emphasized.

Poroshenko also recalled that in 2019 the Ukrainian Church obtained the Tomos of autocephaly.

“Now the canonical autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine is being affirmed by the Patriarch’s disciples. It is very symbolic that he recently met with the Primate of the OCU in order to convey to him his spiritual heritage in farewell, to support the Church during the current difficult trials,” he noted.

The Fifth President emphasized that Filaret’s life path will become a topic for books and films.

“Books will still be written and films made about the son of the Donetsk land of Ukraine, about his earthly path, because his life was rich in drama and sharp turns,” Poroshenko wrote.

He also emphasized that he considers Patriarch Filaret one of the key figures in Ukrainian history.

“He was a great Ukrainian. As such, he entered the history of our Church, people, and state,” Poroshenko emphasized.

According to him, during his presidency, he awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine only to the Heavenly Hundred and military personnel, but made an exception for Filaret.

“In 2019, I made one of the few exceptions, because Vladyka’s long earthly life was dedicated to God, the people, and Ukraine,” the fifth President summarized.