Austrian and Swiss ambassadors visit UOC Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa
Ambassadors of Austria and Switzerland in the UOC cathedral in Odesa, destroyed by Russian shelling. Photo: screenshot from the video on the Facebook page of the Odesa Eparchy
On July 1, 2024, the ambassadors of Austria and Switzerland to Ukraine, Arad Benkö and Felix Baumann, visited the Transfiguration Cathedral of the UOC in Odesa. According to the Odesa Eparchy, the diplomats were briefed on the progress of the restoration work following the tragedy of July 23, 2023, when a missile struck the cathedral during a Russian shelling of the city.
Assistant rector of the cathedral, Archpriest Myroslav Vdovych, spoke about the history and sacred relics of the ancient church.
The ambassadors wished the Orthodox residents of Odesa a swift recovery of the city's main holy site.
A special fund was established for the restoration of the destroyed cathedral. The press service of the Odesa Eparchy published the bank details and called on all concerned individuals to join in a fundraiser.
As previously reported, the Azerbaijani ambassador also visited the UOC cathedral in Odesa, which was destroyed by Russian shelling.
Read also
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.