Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan)

Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan) (1935-2014)

Viktor may be spelt Victor.

Volodymyr may be spelt Vladimir, Valdemar, Waldemar, Wladimir, Wolodymyr.

Kyiv may be spelt Kiev.

Early life of Viktor Markianovich Sabodan

On 23 November, 1935, Viktor Markianovich Sabodan was born into a peasant family in the Letychiv County of Vinnytsia Oblast (later, the Khmelnytskyi Oblast) in the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (Ukrainian SSR). The parents were Markian Arsenievich Sabodan (elder of the village parish) and Feodosia Ivanovna. There were 3 other brothers in the family : Michael, Alexander and Stepan. After his birth and at Holy Baptism, he was given the name of the Martyr Victor, who suffered for Christ in the second century. The deeply faithful parents raised their sons in faith and piety as Orthodox Christians in the bosom of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine.

Victor grew up in a rural environment. When he was a child, his mother took him to visit the Blessed Lavrentiy (Proskura) of Chernigov, who blessed him to serve in the Temple.

From the age of 9, Victor carried out various obediences at the Archangel-Michael Temple of his native village, served in the Altar, and sang in the kliros. The Priest Sylvester there taught him to read and write in Church Slavonic.

As he grew up, work, the terrible years of World War II, and the persecution of the Church by the communist state influenced the character of the future Metropolitan Volodymyr. It taught him to stand with fortitude for the Body of Christ and the Orthodox Faith.

In 1944, he entered primary school. Then, from the fifth to the seventh grade he studied at a seven-year school in the neighbouring village of Ivanintsy. He then studied at the Medzhybizh secondary school, where he was noted to be an excellent student. He graduated in 1954.

Throughout his future life, he never lost his connexion with the simplicity of the Ukrainian rural people. In every situation, he would remain a man with a large, loving and faithful heart. He was constantly near to everyone. From his childhood, his life was linked with the Church, and he was an Altar-server in the Temple of his native village (in the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church).

Saint Lavrentiy (Proskura) of Chernigov

Higher Education

After he had graduated from school at the age of 19, Viktor Markianovich entered the Odessa Theological Seminary. From 1954 until 1958, Viktor Markianovich studied there, on the grounds of the Dormition Monastery in the city of Odessa in southern Ukraine.

While he studied in Odessa, Viktor was blessed to be able to hear the wise words of Saint Luke (Voino-Yasenetsky) (†1961) of Simferopol and Crimea. During his studies in the seminary, Viktor met with him 3 times. The Saint spoke about the state’s persecutions against the Church, and about how clergy were sent to the concentration camps during the years since the Bolshevik Revolution. Viktor was amazed that a prominent surgeon, scientist and bishop never complained about anyone or anything ; he had never blamed anyone ; he had never nursed a grievance despite the sufferings he had experienced. From the depth of his heart, he forgave his enemies.

This is how the spiritual world of Viktor Markianovich was formed. His soul was prepared for an important ministry that required the maximum responsibility and self-discipline.

From 1958 until 1962, Viktor studied at the Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg) Theological Academy, near the Saint Alexander Nevsky Monastery in Leningrad (Saint Petersburg), Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (Russian SFSR).

Leningrad (Saint Petersburg) Theological Seminary and Academy

On 11 June, 1962, Victor Markianovich graduated with the degree of “Candidate of Theology”. His thesis was entitled : “Christ the Saviour, the Saviour-Leader of the World”.

His years of training in the Leningrad Academy came during the difficult time of the “Khrushchev thaw” of the 1950s, which in the 1960s led to a new wave of Soviet persecution against the Orthodox Church. During the 1960s, monasteries, Temples, and religious schools were closed throughout the Soviet Union. As a result, in the vast territory of the former Soviet Union, there were only 2 academies remaining (Leningrad, and Zagorsk — the Soviet name for the Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra near Moscow), and 3 seminaries (Leningrad, Zagorsk and Odessa).

At his request, after graduating from the academy, Viktor Markianovich was sent to the Odessa Diocese in southern Ukraine, by the Black Sea.

Ordinations, 1962

In Odessa, on 14 June, 1962, Metropolitan Boris (Vik) of Kherson and Odessa ordained Viktor Markianovich Sabodan to the Holy Diaconate.

In Odessa, on 15 June, 1962, Metropolitan Boris (Vik) of Kherson and Odessa ordained Deacon Viktor Sabodan to the Holy Priesthood.

Metropolitan Boris (Vik) ordains Priest Viktor Sabodan

Monastic tonsure, 1962

On 26 August, 1962, in the Dormition Monastery in Odessa, Priest Viktor Sabodan was tonsured to be a stavrophor monk. He was given the name Volodymyr (Vladimir) in honour of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir, the Baptiser of Rus’ (modern-day Ukraine and Russia). His name-day was 15/28 July.

Pastoral service

Hieromonk Volodymyr (Sabodan) continued his studies as a part of his monastic obedience, along with other services he would be directed to offer as a priest in the Odessa Dormition Monastery.

Hieromonk Volodymyr (Sabodan)

Hieroschemamonk (now Saint) Kuksha (Velitchko), who at that time was the spiritual father of the Holy Dormition Monastery in Odessa, was Father Volodymyr's sponsor at the tonsure. During the last 2 years of his earthly sojourn, Saint Kuksha became Father Volodymyr’s spiritual father. Staretz Kuksha was a significant person, a devout monk, who lived his life of a martyr for the Orthodox Christian Faith. Being persecuted by the Soviet authorities, he was moved from one monastery to another, and from one parish to another. Finally, he had found shelter in a small cell in the Odessa monastery.

For very many years into the future, Father Volodymyr kept a black “chotki” (prayer-rope) plaited by the Staretz Kuksha. The holy monk had presented it to him. Father Volodymyr only needed to touch the “chotki”, and his soul would fill with joy, and everything would proceed well. Vladyka Volodymyr said about Saint Kuksha :

 He radiated kindness, love, cordial warmth.  Day and night, the saint worked for the salvation of the 
 faithful.  Crowds of people came from all over the Soviet Union to see the monk, to receive the blessing, to 
 hear his words.  The Venerable Kuksha could almost not find any solitude anywhere.  Everywhere, pilgrims 
 waited for him.  The monk was blessed with the gift of foresight.  He healed spiritual and bodily 
 ailments.

Saint Kuksha (Velitchko)

Continuing education, 1962

In the autumn of 1962, the Priestmonk Volodymyr (Sabodan) enrolled in the Moscow Theological Academy at the Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra near Moscow. In 1965, he completed the post-graduate course, and he graduated from the academy.

Moscow Theological Academy

In 1965, Hieromonk Volodymyr (Sabodan) was elevated to the dignity of archimandrite.

Archimandrite Volodymyr (Sabodan)

Rector of Saint Panteleimon Odessa Orthodox Seminary

In 1965, in accordance with the resolution of Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky), Archimandrite Volodymyr (Sabodan) was at that time assigned to serve as a teacher at the Odessa Theological Seminary. There, he also served as a senior assistant inspector, and also as the secretary of the Odessa diocesan administration.

Many decades later, Odessites continued to remember with love the teacher who became the rector of the seminary, Archimandrite Volodymyr, as an indefatigable worker, a profound theologian, a brilliant preacher, and a talented administrator. It is hard to imagine how difficult it was during those years to carry the obedience of serving as the rector of the then only spiritual school in Ukraine. The simplicity and wisdom of the young rector touched the heart of his students, who would, many years later, prayerfully recall their mentor and rector. He was available, responsive and attentive to the needs of both the teachers and the students, and these characteristics remained throughout his life.

The ability and active Church activity of Archimandrite Volodymyr (Sabodan) as rector of the Odessa Theological Seminary attracted the attention of the leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church. He began to be involved in the events organised by the Department of External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate.

Russian Orthodox Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, 1966

In early 1966, by the decree Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky) and the Holy Synod, Archimandrite Volodymyr (Sabodan) was assigned to serve as the Deputy Head of the Russian Orthodox Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem.

Archimandrite Volodymyr’s tenure in Jerusalem was brief. Soon after he took up this assignment, Archimandrite Volodymyr (Sabodan) was elected by the Holy Synod of Bishops to become a bishop, and he was summoned to Moscow.

On 23 June, 1966, the Patriarch Alexei (Simansky) of Moscow and All Russia and the Holy Synod of Bishops elected Archimandrite Volodymyr (Sabodan) to become a bishop.

Episcopal Ordination, 1966

On 9 July, 1966, on the Feast-day of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, at the Primatial Divine Liturgy, at the Dormition Sobor of the Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra, Metropolitan Pimen (Izvekov) of Krutitsiy and Kolomensk, and other bishops, ordained Archimandrite Volodymyr (Sabodan) to the Holy Episcopate.

Episcopal ordination

Holy Dormition Catholicon, Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra

Episcopal service

Bishop of Zvenigorod

Bishop Volodymyr (Sabodan) was assigned to be the Bishop of Zvenigorod, and a Vicar-Bishop of the Moscow Diocese.

Bishop Volodymyr (Sabodan)

Holy Dormition Cathedral, Zvenigorod

In addition, Bishop Volodymyr was assigned to be the representative of the Russian Orthodox Church at the World Council of Churches in Geneva, Switzerland, and the rector of the Geneva parish of the Nativity of the Theotokos.

Bishop of Pereyaslav-Khmelnitsky, 1968

On 28 November, 1968, Bishop Volodymyr (Sabodan) was assigned to be the Bishop of Pereyaslav-Khmelnitsky, and Vicar-Bishop to the Metropolitan of Kyiv and Galich, the Patriarchal Exarch of Ukraine.

Holy Ascension Cathedral, Pereyaslav-Khmelnitsky

Bishop of Chernihiv and Nizhyn, 1969

On 20 March, 1969, Bishop Volodymyr (Sabodan) was transferred and assigned to be the Bishop of the Chernihiv and Nizhyn Diocese in northeastern Ukraine. He was also assigned to serve as the temporary administrator of the Sumy Diocese nearby.

Holy Transfiguration Cathedral Chernihiv

From December, 1970, through April, 1973, he also served as the managing editor of the “Orthodox Herald” (“Visnyk”), the magazine of the Ukrainian Exarchate.

Bishop of Dmitrov, 1973

On 18 April, 1973, Bishop Volodymyr (Sabodan) was assigned to be the Bishop of Dmitrov, and Vicar-Bishop of the Moscow Diocese. In this capacity, he served as the rector of the Moscow Theological Academy and Seminary.

On 9 September, 1973, he was elevated to the dignity of archbishop.

As a result of his service as the rector of the Moscow Theological Schools, and his high authority as a theologian and Church figure, he was given well-deserved respect both at home and abroad. During the 9 years of his service as Rector of the Moscow Theological Schools, he ordained more than 500 priests and deacons for Ukraine itself, and about 1,500 for the whole Russian Orthodox Church.

Vladyka Volodymyr teaching

On 3 March, 1976, by the decision of the Holy Synod, Archbishop Volodymyr was assigned to serve on the Commission on Christian Unity.

On 18 April, 1978, Archbishop Volodymyr (Sabodan) received the title of professor at the Moscow Theological Academy.

Also in 1978, he was elected to be a member of the Commission for the Preparation and Celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Restoration of the Patriarchate in the Russian Orthodox Church.

On 5 June, 1979, he defended his master’s thesis on “Ecclesiology in National Theology”.

During the years 1981-1988, Archbishop Volodymyr was assigned to serve as a member of the Commission for the Preparation and Organisation of the Celebration of the Millennium of the Baptism of Rus’.

On 16 July, 1982, Archbishop Volodymyr (Sabodan) was elevated to the dignity of metropolitan.

Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan)

Metropolitan of Rostov-on-Don and Novocherkassk, 1982

On 16 July, 1982, Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan) was transferred to the Diocese of Rostov-on-Don and Novocherkassk in southeastern Ukraine.

Nativity of the Theotokos Cathedral, Rostov-on-Don

Patriarchal Exarch for Western Europe, 1984

From 1984, Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan) was assigned to serve as the Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe. During that same year, he and Archbishop Makariy (Svistun) visited Bishop Kliment (Kapalin) in North America.

During the period of his service as Exarch of Western Europe, Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan) became much loved by the people whom he shepherded. He was also considered to be remarkable because he did many things for himself, such as shovelling snow when it was necessary.

On 12 May, 1987, Metropolitan Volodymyr (Samodan) was assigned to serve as the Administrator of the Diocese of Pskov and Porkhov.

On 30 December, 1987, Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan) was assigned to serve as a permanent member of the Holy Synod, and as the Chancellor (Administrative Director) of the Moscow Patriarchate.

In 1988, on the eve of the celebration of the 1,000th anniversary of the Baptism of Kievan Rus’, Metropolitan Volodymyr of Rostov and Novocherkassk visited an exhibition devoted to Nikita S Khrushchev, which had been organised by his son. Amongst the many displayed articles and documents, he paid attention to a photograph with 2 clergymen on it. Metropolitan Volodymyr recognised himself as one of them. Khrushchev’s words were inscribed on it :

 I shall show the last priest on the TV screen in 1981.

However, Mr. N Khrushchev died in 1971. Later, governments changed ; ideologies, and regimes changed. Metropolitan Volodymyr continued his faithful service, and the Church lived on and grew. Metropolitan Volodymyr’s great concern was always the strengthening of the Church, preserving its people, and saving the souls of those who searched for God.

In 1990, Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan) was one of the 3 candidates nominated to become the Patriarch of Moscow. He received the second number of votes after Metropolitan Aleksey (Ridiger) of Leningrad and Novgorod, who was elected to become the patriarch (he was an Estonian of German and Swedish ancestry). He had received the most votes in the second round, although he received only 23 more votes (166-143) than did Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan) of Rostov and Novocherkassk. Metropolitan Filaret (Denysenko) of Kyiv and Galich received 66 votes, the smallest number. None of the candidates was an ethnic Russian.

Increased autonomy for the Church in Ukraine, 1990

At the Bishops’ Council of the Russian Orthodox Church on 30-31 January, 1990, a new “Provision on the Exarchate” was adopted for Ukraine, in order to enhance the authority of the Holy Orthodox Church in Ukraine. This document gave the Ukrainian Exarchate more rights in self-government, and the clergy and believers were enabled independently to develop church life in accordance with their ecclesiastical and national customs.

On 10 July, 1990, the Synod of the Ukrainian Exarchate adopted the “Address of the Episcopate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to His Holiness Patriarch Aleksey II of Moscow and All Russia and the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church”, the main point of which was the request to grant the UOC independence and autonomy in management.

Providing the UOC status as autonomous and independent in management corresponded to the realities of social and religious life in Ukraine, and at the same time retained canonical unity with the Russian Orthodox Church, and through it, with the whole of Ecumenical Orthodoxy. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church received the status equivalent to that of the Kyivan Metropolitanate (Metropolia) in the 17th century.

On 1-3 November, 1990, the Local Council of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) took place in the Kyiv Caves Lavra. It issued an

 Appeal to the Most Holy Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Aleksey II and the Episcopate of the Russian 
 Orthodox Church (ROC) to give the UOC full canonical autonomy, that is, autocephaly, since proclamation of 
 autocephaly can only be made by the highest organ of the Local Church in the person of the Council of Bishops.

However, this particular appeal was not the result of a free expression of the will of the entire episcopate of the UOC and of the faithful people.

Controversies appear regarding Metropolitan Filaret (Denysenko)

The matter of the gift of autocephaly for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was considered at the Bishops’ Council in Moscow, which met from 31 March to 5 April, 1992. At this Council, the Ukrainian Primate, Metropolitan Filaret (Denysenko), was faced with various allegations against him. These included a denunciation by Priest Gleb Yakunin about alleged KGB activities ; but there were other, very serious allegations.

On the second day of the meeting, Metropolitan Filaret agreed to submit his resignation to the UOC Synod, and the ROC Synod passed a resolution which stated :

 The Council of Bishops took into account the statement of the Most Reverend Filaret, Metropolitan of Kyiv and 
 of All-Ukraine, that for the sake of church peace, at the next Council of Bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox 
 Church, he will submit a request to be relieved from the position of the Primate of the UOC.  Understanding of 
 the position of Metropolitan Filaret, the Council of Bishops expressed to him its gratitude for the long 
 period of labour as Archbishop of the See of Kyiv and blessed him to serve as an archbishop at another 
 cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Establishment of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church — Kyiv Patriarchate, 1992

However, Metropolitan Filaret did not do as he had promised. After returning to Kyiv, he recanted his resignation. On 14 April, 1992, Metropolitan Filaret held a press conference in which he alleged that undue pressure was exerted at the ROC Synod in Moscow, both directly and through threats made by Federal Security Service (FSB) personnel who, he said, were present at the gathering. Metropolitan Filaret stated that he was retracting his resignation on the grounds that his resignation “would not bring peace to the Church, would contradict the will of the believers, and would be uncanonical”. He then established the Ukrainian Orthodox Church — Kyiv Patriarchate. He was not, however, its first patriarch.

This action by Metropolitan Filaret produced a schism in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Canonical restructuring after the schism, 1992

On 27 May, 1992, the Council of the Bishops of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church met in Kharkiv, due to the impossibility of meeting in Kyiv. At this assembly, the bishops removed Metropolitan Filaret (Denysenko) in connexion with the disclosure of sins incompatible with serving as Primate of the UOC, and for activities which brought him to a condition of life forbidden to the priesthood.

Head of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), 1992

Then, after Metropolitan Filaret (Denysenko) of Kyiv was defrocked, the Kharkiv Bishops’ Council of the UOC elected by a majority of votes (16 from 18) the Metropolitan of Rostov and Novocherkassk Volodymyr (Sabodan) to become the Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine, and Primate of the newly-established autonomous Church.

Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine, 1992

Later in 1992, Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan) was enthroned in the Monastery of the Kyiv Caves in Kyiv as the Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine.

The main obedience of Metropolitan Volodymyr was his High-Priestly and First-Hierarchical service to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. At a most difficult time for Ukrainian Orthodoxy, he was able to save the situation, and to avoid a religious war.

Despite the difficult situation in which the Ukrainian Orthodox Church appeared to be in 1992, Metropolitan Volodymyr managed to bring her out of isolation with regard to relations with the state. He also managed to establish a constructive dialogue about the pastoral care of servicemen, social services to the disadvantaged, to the ill, and to prisoners. He was further able to establish partner-relationships with the leaders of education, science and culture, and public organisations.

Upon becoming Metropolitan of Kyiv, Metropolitan Volodymyr affirmed the authority of the principle of unity. He took decisions that affected the life of the Church with the consent of the whole episcopate. He avoided doing anything by a simple majority, but rather, he strove to reach a general consensus. He did not impose himself on the Church, and he did not build it in his own way and likeness. It is quite possible to refer to the words of the Holy Scripture :

 A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench ; but He will bring forth judgement in 
 truth (Isaiah 42:3).

Thus, Vladyka Metropolitan allowed the leaders of the Church to reveal the Church’s universal and all-embracing character. The Church, in response, surrounded him with love and true respect.

The official title of the Primate, “His Beatitude”, actually became part of Metropolitan Volodymyr’s own name, affectionately spoken. It was justified by his life and service to God and people. He could easily enter into a dialogue with the whole world in all its diversity. He was without exaggeration everything for everyone :

 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak.  I have become all things to all men, that I might by 
 all means save some (1 Corinthians 9:22).

Nevertheless, he always remembered the fundamental distinction between the Church and the world. Being sensitive to social processes, he kept the Church from mixing with them, which allowed her to preserve her image that would be equally acceptable to people with different political views and ideological preferences.

On 28 May, 1992, Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger) blessed Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan) to serve as Primate of the Orthodox Ukrainian Church. According to this decree, within the boundaries of Ukraine, Metropolitan Volodymyr was given the title “His Beatitude”. He had the right to wear 2 panagias, and to be preceded by the processional Cross during worship (at the Bishops’ Council of the Russian Orthodox Church on 18-23 February, 1997, the title “His Beatitude” was secured by the Primate of the UOC throughout the canonical territory of the Russian Church).

On 11 June, 1992, the Bishops’ Council of the Russian Orthodox Church ruled favourably on the May, 1992, decision of the Kharkiv Council of the UOC.

On 20 June, 1992, Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan) arrived in Kyiv. He was met by tens of thousands of Orthodox clerics and laymen. In his first homily, Vladyka Volodymyr, began with the words :

 I have arrived not on a business trip and not from abroad ; I have arrived in my native land to serve the 
 people, and an independent Ukraine.

On 26 June, 1992, the Local Council of the UOC in Kyiv, decided :

 To recognise the Bishops’ Council in Kharkiv on 27-28 May, 1992, as canonical, and to adopt all its acts and 
 rulings that it considers to be lawful. The decision of the Bishops’ Council of the UOC was approved and 
 accepted by all the Local Orthodox Churches.

Increase in the number of visitors from Canada and other Western countries

Although people from Canada had visited Ukraine earlier, in 1992, there began a regular series of pilgrimage visits from the Archdiocese of Canada of The Orthodox Church in America. These pilgrim-groups of various sizes from Canada visited the main holy sites in Ukraine, and they also brought practical aid to various orphanages and monasteries (mostly in Western Ukraine). Metropolitan Volodymyr and the Holy Synod also blessed the visits to Canada of some wonder-working icons, and of the Relic of Saint Vladimir.

Personal characteristics of Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan)

Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan) was well-known as a preacher, a theologian and an author. He was the author of numerous research papers on theology, the majority of which were included in the 6-volume edition of his works published in 1997-1998. Included in this series are 2 volumes of his homilies, which his students wrote down. He always spoke without any papers. He cited a great deal from the Holy Scriptures, and he supported his logical reflections by examples and aphorisms. This way of preaching requires an enormous amount of concentration of the heart in prayer, of the mind, the will, and the understanding. His homilies are the example of a conscious and deep-felt faith ; a clear hope on God, and a sincere love for God and for neighbour (see Luke 10:27).

Metropolitan Volodymyr in Poland

When people listened to his homilies, they could clearly see the strength and clarity of his faith. This was a result of many years of work in and for the Church ; of deep reflection about the sense of life and the tasks of life of the person who has chosen a thorny path to the Heavenly Kingdom, and who is leading the people entrusted to him by God.

Metropolitan Volodymyr enjoyed singing, and he collected recordings of Ukrainian folk songs as well as stamps and postcards. He had no objections to a good meal.

In addition to his episcopal ministry, Metropolitan Volodymyr was active in a variety of spheres. He was awarded honourary doctorates by several international universities and research institutes.

On 10 November, 2005, by the decision of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Volodymyr was awarded the title “Honourary Professor of the Kyiv Theological Academy”.

In January, 2008, Metropolitan Volodymyr performed the service of sanctification of the Altar and Temple in the "Verkhovna Rada" (Supreme Rada, Parliament Building) of Ukraine.

75 years of age, 2010

The year 2010 marked the 20th anniversary of the current status of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (MP), and it was also Metropolitan Volodymyr's 75th birthday. The occasion was celebrated during a visit by Patriarch Kirill (Gundyayev). On 23 November, 2010, Patriarch Kyrill (Gundyaev) led the serving of the Primatial Divine Liturgy along with very many other bishops (including Metropolitan Volodymyr). The service was offered in the Trapeza (refectory) Temple of Saints Antony and Theodosius of the Kyiv Caves.

Present at this celebration was the President of Ukraine Viktor F Yanukovych and his entourage, as well as dignitaries representing various countries.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Kirill presented 2 panagias and a Pectoral Cross made by Ural region craftsmen. After this, President V F Yanukovych presented the Order of Freedom to the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

75th birthday

Because the headquarters of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (MP) had long been within the boundaries of the Monastery of the Kyiv Caves (since 1992), it was deemed necessary to seek a new site in the city on which to build a cathedral of an appropriate size for the city, along with other necessary structures for the administration : a residence for the metropolitan, a seminary, a TV studio, and a hotel for pilgrims. This process took place under Metropolitan Volodymyr’s blessing and with his involvement. The city did offer an available portion of land in an industrial area of the city. The Church was required to carry the burden of all costs associated with preparing the site and with the construction. To begin with, a Temple was constructed of logs on the site, and services began to be offered there. Meanwhile, collections were made in order to accomplish the construction. The foundation of the Holy Resurrection Cathedral was blessed on 4 April, 2010.

In 2011, Metropolitan Volodymyr was awarded the title “Hero of Ukraine” by the government :

 for outstanding personal merits in fostering spirituality, humanity and mercy in society, many years of 
 faithful service to the Ukrainian people, on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of his ordination and the 
 20th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.

Later in life, Metropolitan Volodymyr (Samodan) was interviewed regarding some aspects of his life. About his parents, he said :

 My parents were a gift of God to me : the ever-memorable Markian, who reposed in 1975 in his 84th year, and my 
 mother, Feodosia, who passed away in 1989 in her 86th year.  I remember my mother’s prayer : ‘O Merciful God !
 Do not leave me bereft of sense, eye-sight and movement’.  She used to repeat these words very often.  She 
 reposed peacefully, with prayer, surrounded by relatives. 
 
 Both my father and mother loved labour.  They were honest people.  They loved people and God.  They fostered 
 in me faith in God and a kind attitude towards people.  I cannot remember them behaving rudely vis-à-vis their
 children or other children.  They had very warm relations with neighbours and with people in general.  I love 
 them ; I pray for them ; and I know that they also pray for me in the other world.

When he was asked who, besides his parents, influenced his formation, he immediately responded :

 ‘People’.  And today, I pray for those whom I knew from my childhood.  I ask the Lord to grant everlasting 
 rest to the departed and health to the living.  Looking back at my life, I become more and more persuaded that 
 our Church is invincible not only because it was founded by God, but also because of the extraordinary people 
 we have : people that can defend their Church, and their Faith.

An interview

As was mentioned before, during his life, Metropolitan Vladimir met many ascetics, spiritually experienced monks, and holy people. In his youth, he visited the Holy Schema-Archimandrite Lavrentiy (Proskura) of the Chernigov Holy Trinity Monastery. At their first meeting, the Venerable Lavrentiy uttered some prophetic words regarding the future of the young Viktor. Afterwards, there were many more visits, during which the elderly monk spoke about the future of the Orthodox Church. In the 1950s, he foresaw the schism of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine, which happened 40 years later, in the beginning of the 1990s.

Metropolitan Volodymyr became, and he will remain the face of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. During the years of his service, a new generation grew up that did not remember the Church without him. Living a life full of spiritual wisdom and artistic insights, he touched the very soul of a person. This influence would persuade a person to reconsider his/her way of life and try to follow the path of Christ. The golden rule of Metropolitan Volodymyr was the words : “Do not ask anything for yourself and do not refuse anything”. It is truly the height of Christian humility and obedience : to be content with what you have, to go where you must go, and to do what you must do. These words sound like a testament to all the faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

In his later life, Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan) suffered from a progressively debilitating condition (Parkinsonism). Because this lasted for a long time, and required many medical treatments, and because there were sometimes tensions with the government, there was a short period in which it was thought to replace him with another bishop. However, this did not happen, and Metropolitan Volodymyr continued with help to lead and serve the Church until the end.

2012 Glorification of Schema-Archbishop Anthony

2012 Interview

Other pastoral activities

During the 22 years of the service of Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan) as the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (MP), the number of parishes in Ukraine increased from 5,500 in 1991 to 12,500 in 2014. Similarly, the number of monasteries increased from 32 to 200 ; the number of religious schools increased from 4 to 21 ; the number of publications increased from 1 publication to more than 500 printed publications ; various television, radio and internet projects came into being.

Repose, 2014

Vladyka Volodymyr had suffered for a long time from the progressing effects of Parkinson’s Disease.

On 5 July, 2014, Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan) fell asleep in the Lord (because of internal bleeding) at the age of 79.

On 7 July, 2014, the Funeral Services for the Burial of a Hierarch were offered at the Dormition Cathedral in the Kyiv Caves Monastery.

Funeral of Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan)

After the funeral services, the body of Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan) was interred at the Temple of the Nativity of the Mother of God at the Far Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

Panikhida at the Burial

Blessing the Grave before the Interment

Interment

— Bishop of Zvenigorod 1966-1968. Preceded by : Bishop Vladimir (Kotlyarov). Succeeded by : Bishop Anatoly (Kuznetsov).

— Vicar-Bishop of the Diocese of Moscow 1966-1968.

— Bishop of Pereyaslav-Khmelnitsky 1968-1969. Preceded by : Bishop Theodosius (Dykun). Succeeded by : Bishop Savva (Babinets).

— Vicar-Bishop of the Diocese of Kyiv and Galich 1968-1969.

— Bishop of Chernihiv and Nizhynskiy 1969-1973. Preceded by : Bishop Nestor (Tugay). Succeeded by : Bishop Anthony (Vakarik).

— Archbishop of Dmitrov, Rector of the Moscow Theological Academy and Seminary 1973-1982. Preceded by : Bishop Philaret (Vakhromeyev). Succeeded by : Bishop Alexander (Timofeev).

— Vicar-Archbishop of the Moscow Diocese 1973-1982.

— Metropolitan of Rostov-on-Don and Novocherkassk 1982-1984. Preceded by : Metropolitan Joasaph (Ovsyannikov). Succeeded by : Metropolitan Vladimir (Kotlyarov).

— Exarch of the Moscow Patriarchate in Western Europe 1984-1987. Preceded by : ____. Succeeded by : ____.

— 7th Chancellor of the Moscow Patriarchate 1987-1992 and administrator of the Diocese of Pskov and Porkhov. Preceded by : Metropolitan Sergei (Petrov). Succeeded by : Metropolitan Sergei (Fomin).

— Metropolitan of Kyiv and all Ukraine 1992-2014. Preceded by : Metropolitan Filaret (Denysenko). Succeeded by : Metropolitan Onufry (Berezovskiy).

Reflections

Metropolitan Volodymyr was not a public person. No-one ever heard from him a phrase such as “once an American president asked me [...]”. He would not find it necessary to mention that he had met him. Nevertheless, it did become public knowledge in 1998 that Metropolitan Volodymyr knew Saint Luke, the Archbishop of Simferopol, when he inaugurated a monument to the saint. A few knew that the Venerable Lavrentiy of Chernigov was the metropolitan’s spiritual father, and that the Venerable Kuksha of Odessa was his sponsor when he was tonsured to be a monk.

During the visit of Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis) of Constantinople to Odessa, journalists paid attention to how warmly he talked with Metropolitan Volodymyr. In fact, this was because they knew each other from the times when Metropolitan Volodymyr had been the ROC Representative to the World Council of Churches in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1966-1968, and when he was also the rector of the Orthodox Church in Geneva. During that time, the future ecumenical patriarch was studying in Geneva, and he very often visited Vladyka Volodmyr. The 2 spoke about their memories of “nice Geneva”. Once, news agencies reported about a meeting of Metropolitan Volodymyr with the Dutch Queen Beatrix. They were friends, and the queen respected Metropolitan Volodymyr. The doors of the monarch’s palace were always open for him — the only one out of all Ukrainians.

There are many more such examples in the life of Metropolitan Volodymyr. Modern public relations specialists perhaps might prefer to use them in order to create a particular impression, to influence public opinion and authorities in some manner, or to incite controversy. However, there is hardly a person who could honestly call this representative of Holy Orthodoxy a “foe of Ukrainian Orthodoxy”. Even an ordinary civil servant would not likely be rude towards a friend of a queen.

Metropolitan Volodymyr always rejected the vanity of this world. He never mentioned his awards, his scientific status, and his honourary posts in international ecclesiastical organisations. He was an embodiment of the dignity and conscience of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine.

The example of Metropolitan Volodymyr was able to convince others about the love that God reveals to us by giving us pastors ready to sacrifice their souls for the people who are entrusted to them. He harmoniously combined strictness, decisiveness and adherence to principles, with gentleness, kindness and tolerance. It is this balance of tender love with faithful firmness which truly demonstrated his meekness in Christ (see Matthew 5:5).

As the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), his official title was “His Beatitude, Vladimir, Metropolitan of Kyiv and all Ukraine”. He was the leader of the only Ukrainian Orthodox Church inside Ukraine to have canonical standing (legal recognition) in Eastern Orthodoxy worldwide.

Awards and Honours

Russian Orthodox Church and Ukrainian Orthodox Church (MP) awards :

• Order of Saint Sergius of Radonezh, 1st degree (1979)

• Order of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir, 1st degree (1985)

• Order of Saint Andrew the First-Called (2000)

• Order of Saint Alexis, Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia, 1st degree (2005)

• Order of Saints Anthony and Theodosius of Kiev-Pechersk, 1st degree of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

• Orders of various Local Orthodox Churches

State awards of the USSR :

• Order of Friendship of Peoples (1988)

State awards of Russia :

• Order of Friendship (19 January, 2004) "For great contribution to the strengthening and development of spiritual relations, friendship and co-operation between the peoples of the Russian Federation and Ukraine"

• Order of Merit (28 June, 2005) "For the achievements in the development of spiritual and cultural traditions and the strengthening of the Russian-Ukrainian relations"

• Order of Alexander Nevsky (2013)

State awards of Ukraine :

• Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 5th degree (2000)

• Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 4th degree (2001)

• Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 3rd degree (2002)

• Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 2nd degree (2005)

• Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 1st degree (2008)

• Member of the Order of Freedom (2010)

• "Hero of Ukraine" (The Order of the State) (2011)

Metropolitan Voloymyr with "Hero of Ukraine" Medal

Honours :

Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan) became an honourary doctor of several universities and scientific institutions of the world. He was a full member of the International Academy of Information (under the Ecological and Social Council of the United Nations), and of the International Staff Academy of the Council of Europe.

He was a full member of the "International Informational Support Academy" (the UN Environmental and Social Council), and of the "International Personnel Academy Council of Europe".

In March, 1996, Metropolitan Volodymyr was elected to be Honourary President of the UN International Committee gathered to organise the celebration of the 2,000th anniversary of Christ’s birth.

On 9 July, 2006, according to a decision of the Uzhgorod Theological Academy of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Metropolitan Volodymyr was awarded the title of Honourary Doctor of Philosophy.

On 29 July, 2006, Metropolitan Volodymyr became a member of the National Union of Journalists.

Writings

Metropolitan Volodymyr was well-known as a preacher, theologian and spiritual writer.

• "Christ the Saviour : the Saviour-Leader of the World" (Candidate Thesis, 1962).

• ‘Speech upon formal Election as Bishop of Zvenigorod’ in “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate” (“JMP”), no. 9 (1966), pp. 3-7.

• ‘Testimony of Brotherly Love and Church Unity : Visit of the Delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church in Bulgaria’ in “JMP”, no. 1 (1967), pp. 9-19.

• ‘Visit to the Soviet Union of the General Secretary of the WCC, Dr. Y K Blake’ in “JMP”, no. 6 (1967), pp. 13-17.

• ‘Week of Ecumenical Prayers in Geneva’ in “JMP”, no. 10 (1967), pp. 65-66.

• ‘Pentecost in Geneva’ in “JMP, no. 10 (1968), pp. 33-34.

• ‘Patriarchal Visit to ancient Shrines in Kiev’ in “JMP”, no. 2 (1973), pp. 8-11.

• ‘Believe in the Light, so you will be the Sons of the Light : A Word spoken to the Graduates of Moscow Theological Schools in the Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God on 14 June, 1973’ in “JMP”, no. 7 (1973), pp. 34-36.

• ‘Speech to the Assembly on the Day of the Intercession of the Mother of God on 14 October, 1973’ in “JMP”, no. 11 (1973), pp. 66-73.

• ‘Words at the Beginning of the School Year in Moscow Theological Schools on 2 September, 1974’ in “JMP”, no. 1 (1975), pp. 18-19.

• ‘Anniversary of the World Congress of Peace Forces : Speech delivered in the Assembly Hall of the Moscow Theological Academy on 30 October, 1974’ in “JMP”, no. 1 (1975), pp. 44-46.

• ‘Words spoken in the Assembly Hall of Moscow Theological Schools on 1 September, 1977)’ in “JMP, no. 11 (1977), pp. 32-33.

• ‘On the Introduction to the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos’ in “JMP”, no. 12 (1979), p. 38.

• ‘On the Introduction to the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos’ in “JMP”, no. 11 (1980), p. 29.

•’Ecclesiology in Russian Theology in Connection with the ecumenical Movement’ (Master's Degree Thesis) in “JMP”, no. 9 (1979), pp. 58-66 ; no. 10, pp. 56-61.

• "Theological works", 1980, collection. 21, p. 157.

• ‘Services of Saints Cyril and Methodius in the Enlightenment of the Slavic Peoples’ : (Report read on 25 November, 1980 at the Theological Symposium at the Sofia Theological Academy, dedicated to the 1300th Anniversary of the Bulgarian State) in “JMP”, no. 3 (1981), pp. 45-49.

• ‘Words for the New Year’ in “JMP”, no. 1 (1984), p. 42.

• ‘Das Opfer Christi und das Opfen Christen in der euchristischen Texten der Russischen Orthodoxen Kirche’ in “Das Opfer Christi und das Opfer der Christen. 7. Theol. Gespach zwischen ROK und EKD (= Studienhelft 10) (Frankfurt, 1979), pp. 76-88.

• Collection of the Works of Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan), 6 volumes, 1997-1998.

Publications in the biography of Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan) on the Moscow Patriarchate web-site : (Russian) (English)

• Interview with Metropolitan Vladimir : “I live for the Interests of the Church” (22 March, 2012) [Блаженнейший митрополит Владимир: «Я живу интересами Церкви» (Интервью]

• Speech of the Most Blessed Metropolitan Vladimir of Kyiv on the Occasion of the 20th Anniversary of Canonisation and the Finding of the Honourable Relics of Priest-Martyr Vladimir (Bogoyavlensky) (27 July, 2012) Обращение Блаженнейшего митрополита Киевского Владимира по случаю 20-летия канонизации и обретения честных мощей священномученика Владимира (Богоявленского) (Приветствия и обращения]

• Report of Metropolitan Vladimir of Kyiv and all Ukraine at the 12th International Assumption Readings : “Preaching the Word of God in the modern World” (25 September, 2012) [Свидетельство как проповедь Слова Божия в современном мире. Доклад митрополита Киевского и всея Украины Владимира на ХІІ Международных Успенских чтениях (Статья)]

• Interview with Metropolitan Vladimir (Sabodan) : “Christianity has become the Faith of our People, its Culture and National Idea” (23 July, 2013) [Блаженнейший митрополит Владимир: Христианство стало верой нашего народа, сформировало нашу культуру и национальную идею (Интервью)]

• “Speech of Metropolitan Vladimir (Sabodan) after the service at the Saint Vladimir’s Hill Park in Kyiv” (27 July, 2013) [Слово Блаженнейшего митрополита Владимира после молебна на Владимирской горке в Киеве (Приветствия и обращения]

Publications on the web-site "Pravoslavie.ru" (Orthodoxy.ru)

• “Lesson : Sunday of the Paralytic” (30 April, 2004)

• “Sermon on Feast-day of the Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir” (28 July, 2006)

• “A Lampada always glowed in the parental Home” (20 August, 2007)

• “With God’s Help we will overcome the current Hardships” (16 July, 2009)

• “Interview of His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr for the Magazine of the Kiev Theological Schools ‘Academic Chronicle’” (25 November, 2010)

• “A Person should use every Opportunity to help Others” (3 May, 2013)

Articles about Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan) by various authors

”Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate” (JMP)

• 1966 : no. 7, 2 ; no. 9, pp. 10-30 ; no. 11, p. 2.

• 1967 : no. 1, pp. 9-19 ; no. 6, pp. 13-17 ; no. 7, p. 45 ; no. 10, p. 3, pp. 65-66; no. 11, p. 6.

• 1968 : no. 1, p. 15; no. 2, p. 29; no. 5, p. 3; no. 8, p. 2; no. 9, pp. 25 ; no. 10, pp. 33-34.

• 1969 : no. 1, p. 3 ; no. 4, p. 3, p. 6 ; no. 6, p. 9 ; no. 8, p. 19.

• 1970 : no. 1, p. 18, p. 21 ; no. p. 3, p. 4 ; no. 4, p. 31 ; no. 5, p. 6 ; no. 6, p. 22 ; no. 8, p. 9 ; no. 9, p. 1, p. 20 ; no. 10, p. 6, no. 11, pp. 4-5.

• 1971 : no. 1, p. 30 ; no. 2, p. 30 ; no. 4, p. 30 ; no. 5, pp. 17, 19 ; no. 6, pp. 2, 40, 42 ; no. 8, p. 45 ; no. 10, p. 27 ; no. 12, p. 23.

• 1972 : no. 8, p. 4 ; no. 9, pp. 32-33 ; no. 10, pp. 3-4, 7, 28-30 ; no. 11, p. 27 ; no. 12, p. 24.

• 1973 : no. 1, p. 34 ; no. 2, pp. 8-11 ; no. 4, pp. 29, 31 ; no. 5, p. 4 ; no. 7, pp. 13, 34-36 ; no. 8, p. 20 ; no. 9, p. 11; no. 10, pp. 1, 21 ; no. 11, pp. 9, 16-17, 26, 35, 66-73.

• 1974 : no. 1, p.15 ; no. 2, pp. 2, 5, 40 ; no. 5, pp. 4, 38, 48-52 ; no. 8, p. 67 ; no. 9, pp. 9-10 ; no. 11, pp. 9 ; no. 12, pp. 5, 7.

• 1975 : no. 1, pp. 19-20 ; no. 3, p. 18 ; no. 4, p. 3, p. 11; no. 5, pp. 6-7, p. 32 ; no. 6, p. 15 ; no. 8, p. 30 ; no. 9, pp. 2, 5, 7 ; no. 10, p. 2.

• 1976 : no. 4, pp. 5-6 ; no. 9, p. 5 ; no. 12, p. 10.

• 1977 : no. 1, p. 28 ; no. 5, p.4 ; no. 10, p. 9 ; no. 11, p. 3.

• 1978 : no. 1, p. 29, p. 36 ; no. 2, p. 7 ; no. 6, p. 4; no. 12, p. 10.

• 1979 : no. 5, p. 12 ; no. 6, p. 3 ; no. 8, pp. 4, 6, 13, 17 ; no. 9, p. 8 ; no. 12, p. 6.

• 1980 : no. 2, pp. 8-9 ; no. 3, p. 3 ; no. 5, pp. 8, 17 ; no. 6, p. 50 ; no. 8, p. 10 ; no. 9, pp. 12, 34 ; no. 11, p. 2 ; no. 12, pp. 28, 32.

• 1981 : no. 2, pp. 4, 14 ; no. 5, pp. 4, 7 ; no. 8, p. 21 ; no. 9, p. 3 ; no. 12, p. 6.

• 1982 : no. 1, pp. 9, 20 ; no. 3, p. 30 ; no. 8, pp. 6, 46 ; no. 9, 12 ; no. 10, pp. 2, 34 ; no. 12, pp. 6-7.

• 1983 : no. 1, p. 11 ; no. 2, pp. 44, 47 ; no. 4, p. 41; no. 8, p. 8 ; no. 10, p. 69 ; no. 11, p. 22 ; no. 12, pp. 9, 59.

• 1984 : no. 1, pp. 12-13 ; no. 2, p. 42 ; no. 4, p. 48 ; no. 5, pp. 6, 9 ; no. 11, p. 19 ; no. 12, p. 18.

• 1985 : no. 2, pp. 3, 5, 26 ; no. 3, p. 28 ; no. 8, pp. 35, 50.

• 1986 : no. 2, p. 7 ; no. 5, pp. 12-14, 20-21 ; no. 6, pp. 26-27 ; no. 7, p. 15; no. 8, pp. 13-14.

• 1988 : no. 10, p. 7 ; no. 4, p. 10 ; no. 4, p. 11; no. 9, p. 12 ; no. 10, pp. 2, 34 ; no. 12, pp. 6-7.