Bulgarian Church to help Odessa Eparchy build a temple complex

The construction of the temple complex of the Icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" in Artsyz. Photo: Odessa Eparchy

In the city of Artsyz, Odessa region, a temple complex of the Icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" of the UOC has been built for three years. The rector, Archpriest Gennady Martynov, told the press service of the Odessa Eparchy that it will be a kind of "ancient Christian oasis". He received a blessing from Patriarch Daniel for a trip to Bulgaria to seek the assistance of the believers of the Bulgarian Church.

On April 25, 2025, on the day of honoring the Icon of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Spring," Archpriest Gennady presented the project of this temple complex to the parishioners of the Odessa Eparchy.

"This will not be an ordinary church, but a majestic spiritual complex built in the style of the first millennium — the era of early Christianity, combining architectural depth and symbolism with the spiritual heritage of the Eastern Church," the message states.

With the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, and Metropolitan Agafangel of Odessa, the priest, along with the parishioners, is preparing for a pilgrimage trip to Bulgaria.

"This trip has a special mission — to introduce the people of Bulgaria to the history of this unique construction, to the history of our region, and, if possible, to raise funds for the construction of the temple complex, which will become a spiritual center not only for Artsyz but for the entire region. A special gift and spiritual accompaniment will be the icon of the Mother of God 'Gerontissa', brought by Father Gennady from the Pantokrator Monastery on Mount Athos. This relic will also go on a blessed trip to Bulgaria as the patroness of all good endeavors," the eparchy's press service reported.

Donations for the construction of this temple complex can be made to the following account: 4149629342778354 (Archpriest Gennady Martynov).

Earlier, the UOJ reported that in Artsyz, during the war, an unusual church is being built. Construction materials for the church are taken from dismantled buildings.

Read also