Poroshenko, Yushchenko, and Kuchma highlight Philaret's contribution to independence of Ukrainian Church

The fifth president of Ukraine (2014-2019), People’s Deputy and leader of the European Solidarity party Petro Poroshenko noted that with the death of Honorary Patriarch of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine Philaret (Denysenko), an era of dreaming about the independence of the Ukrainian church, which became a reality, has ended.

"An entire era has passed with him — a time of dreaming about spiritual independence and the resurrection of Ukrainian Orthodoxy. A dream that became a reality. Bishop Philaret worked tirelessly and without hesitation for a long time to realize it. It was not easy for him, and it was not easy for those standing beside him, because the path itself was difficult. Ukraine and its Orthodox Church traversed it thanks to the unbreakable will of Patriarch Philaret," Poroshenko wrote on Facebook on Friday.

The politician emphasized that the canonical autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine is now being strengthened by Philaret’s disciples.

The third president of Ukraine (2005-2010) Viktor Yushchenko called Philaret a fundamental figure for Ukraine’s state independence, noting that his life "became a living embodiment of our centuries-old struggle for spiritual freedom."

"The figure of His Holiness is not just a page of church history. It is the foundation of our state independence. Because there cannot be a free state without a free soul, without its own native Church," Yushchenko wrote on Facebook. According to him, it was Philaret’s iron will and unshakable faith that served as the "guiding star that led us to the long-awaited Tomos."

The second president of Ukraine (1994-2005) Leonid Kuchma expressed gratitude to Philaret for his struggle for the independence of the Ukrainian Church, noting that it was difficult and "not always understandable to us."

"He was one of the most amazing people I have known. Incredible charisma. Incredible resilience of spirit. Incredible life path… Ukraine was already independent, while his struggle for the independence of the Ukrainian Church was only beginning. It is not for us to judge — only for us to remember and thank. Your Holiness, thank you," Kuchma’s spokesperson Darka Olifer shared his words on Facebook.