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

Most Britons oppose abortions, poll finds

The survey found that 62% of UK residents support legal protection for unborn children from the moment their heartbeat is first detected.

Annual academic conference opens at Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary

The fifteenth annual conference was dedicated to the anniversaries of Prince Vasyl-Kostiantyn Ostrožský and Metropolitan Rafail (Zaborovský).

Feminists attack Roman Catholic churches in Latin America

During protest actions, members of radical groups attacked cathedrals in several Latin American countries, assaulted police officers, and threw paint at believers.

UOC hierarch takes part in German bishops’ conference

Bishop Veniamin of Boyarka took part in the OBKD assembly in Düsseldorf.

Ivano-Frankivsk scraps school project planned on demolished UOC church site

The authorities in Ivano-Frankivsk have dropped plans to build the school for whose construction a UOC church was demolished.

Shostatsky to UOC: If you are so righteous – do not cling to your churches

The OCU metropolitan called on UOC faithful and clergy to pray rather than defend their churches from seizures.