Odesa prayerfully marks anniversary of UOC cathedral’s destruction by shelling

Transfiguration Cathedral of the UOC in Odesa. Photo: Odesa Eparchy

On July 23, 2025, marking the second anniversary of the Russian missile strike on the Transfiguration Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), a prayer service was held in Odesa with the participation of hierarchs, clergy, numerous faithful, and representatives of foreign states, according to the press service of the Odesa Eparchy.

The thanksgiving moleben to the Lord was offered in the Transfiguration Cathedral, which is currently undergoing restoration.

The service was led by Metropolitan Agafangel of Odesa and Izmail, concelebrated by vicar bishops of the Odesa Eparchy – Archbishop Diodor of Yuzhne, Archbishop Viktor of Artsyz, Bishop Anastasy of Ovidiopol – and many local clergy.

Joining the clergy and faithful in prayer were the consuls of Bulgaria, Turkey, and Italy, the mayor of Odesa, representatives of local authorities, and construction companies actively involved in restoring the cathedral.

On this day, many faithful gathered at the Transfiguration Cathedral to remember one of the most tragic dates in the life of Orthodox Odesa. “This cathedral is not just architecture – it is a holy shrine, restored by the hands of believers after its godless destruction in 1936,” the Eparchy noted.

In the two years since the tragedy, thanks to the efforts of the Odesa clergy, the active support of the faithful, and assistance from the Italian Republic, a significant portion of the restoration work on the destroyed cathedral has been completed.

Following the service, Metropolitan Agafangel addressed those gathered: “These two years have been years of trial, years of God’s glory, and spiritual renewal,” said the hierarch. “In 1936, a godless regime destroyed our cathedral, but we rebuilt it. In 2023, a new tragedy struck – an enemy missile again damaged our holy place. But with God’s help, we continue to restore it. And when the cathedral is fully restored, we believe all of Ukraine will be renewed. Peace, harmony, and unity will come – the things for which we constantly pray.”

Earlier, the Odesa Seminary hosted the conference “In the Footsteps of the Apostles.”

Read also