Zelensky and Dutch Premier inspect Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa

Rutte, Zelensky and the sacristan of the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa. Photo: President’s website

On October 13, 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte visited the partially damaged the Transfiguration Cathedral of the UOC in Odesa, as reported by the Ukrainian President's website.

The leaders inspected the damage inflicted on the largest Orthodox cathedral in Odesa following a missile strike by Russia on July 23 of the current year. During that attack, the altar was completely destroyed, and the building's supporting structure was damaged.

According to the President's press service, the officials were briefed on the ongoing expert examination regarding the possibility of restoring the cathedral. The press release did not mention the religious affiliation of the cathedral, and it did not specify that Father Myroslav Vdodovych, the cathedral's sacristan, accompanied President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

As previously reported by the UOJ, Italy and Ukraine signed an agreement to restore the UOC cathedral in Odesa.

Read also

FIFA dedicates Iran–Egypt match to LGBT community

FIFA has required Muslim athletes to take part in a “Pride match” featuring rainbow-themed symbolism despite their religious convictions.

Palestinian MFA condemns Israel’s seizure of Jerusalem Church land

Palestine called on the international community to stop the displacement of Christians from Jerusalem.

Czech authorities opt out of Istanbul Convention over “gender ideology”

The government withdrew its consent to ratify the document, calling its provisions destructive to the traditional understanding of sex and family.

Dozens of residents embrace Orthodoxy in Mozambique

After administering the sacrament of Baptism, the priest went on to bless the homes of the newly converted Christians.

His Beatitude: Man should use wealth, rather than be used by wealth

The Primate of the UOC explained how to set priorities correctly, stressing that “wealth without God makes a person the most miserable in the whole world.”

Anniversary LGBT march held in Kyiv

Participants in the gay pride parade demanded recognition of same-sex cohabitation and the removal from the new Civil Code of the definition of family as a union between a man and a woman.