Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his condolences on the passing of Filaret, the Honorary Patriarch of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine.
This was reported by Radio Svoboda.
In the statement released on March 21, Senator Marco Rubio noted that the U.S. "mourns the loss of His Holiness, Patriarch Filaret." He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the people of Ukraine and all members of the Ukrainian Orthodox community.
Rubio highlighted that Filaret dedicated his life to service and played a significant role in shaping Ukraine's spiritual identity during pivotal moments in its history. "His legacy will endure in the strength of Ukraine's religious and national life," he emphasized.
On March 20, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky conveyed his deepest condolences to Metropolitan Epifaniy of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) regarding the passing of Patriarch Filaret. During their conversation, they acknowledged Filaret's vital contributions to affirming Ukraine's spiritual independence and his unwavering support for the Ukrainian people's struggle against Russian aggression.
The Orthodox Church of Ukraine announced the death of Patriarch Filaret at noon on March 20. Later that evening, a farewell service for the late Honorary Patriarch of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine took place at St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral in Kyiv.