A delegation of congressmen and U.S. senator visits UOC cathedral in Odesa

U.S. delegation at the Transfiguration Cathedral of the UOC. April 8, 2024 Photo: Screenshot of video t.me/priest_miroslav

A delegation from the United States, consisting of six members of Congress and Senator Joni Ernst, visited the Transfiguration Cathedral of the UOC in Odesa during their stay in Ukraine on April 8, 2024. A video of the visit was published in the Telegram channel of the assistant to the cathedral's rector, Father Myroslav Vdodovych.

The cathedral was partially destroyed as a result of a Russian missile strike on July 23 of the previous year. The congressmen were shown the church, which is undergoing restoration, its relics, and were told about its history.

"The story of the Kasper Icon of the Mother of God impressed everyone. They asked about it the most. We showed footage from July 23, indicated where the icon was located (the shrine remained intact and undamaged after the missile strike, only the protective glass broke – Ed.). They were surprised at how the icon managed to survive," Father Myroslav said.

According to him, Congressman Tom Suozzi of the United States House of Representatives was very impressed by this story. The priest presented him with a copy of the miraculous Kasper Icon of the Virgin Mary, while Suozzi left his congressional badge as a souvenir.

The guests also inquired about the current events in Orthodoxy. "They received detailed answers to all their questions," added the clergyman.

As the UOJ reported, in Odesa, the mayor, Italian benefactors, and builders prayed in the UOC cathedral.

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