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
In Chernivtsi, another seizure of UOC cathedral prepared
Believers of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy have been called to intensified prayer due to the threat of a new forceful provocation.
Rivne Eparchy venerates "Life-Giver" Icon of Most Holy Theotokos
On the day of veneration of the "Life-Giving" icon, the UOC hierarchs celebrated the Liturgy and held a procession at the Mezhyrich Monastery.
In Romania, memorial cross placed on site of church demolished under communism
In Bucharest, a monument was blessed on the site of the Spirea Veche Church, which was destroyed in 1984 for the construction of the "House of the People".
Pope calls European military spending as betrayal of diplomacy
The pontiff called on students not to confine themselves within national borders and ideologies.
Rada creates “Seeking the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness” association
The inter-factional parliamentary association in the Verkhovna Rada will be headed by MP Heorhiy Mazurashu.
Trial of Metropolitan Arseniy in Dnipro postponed until June
The hearing at the Chechelivka District Court was postponed due to the defense’s complaint over the replacement of the prosecutorial team and motions filed by three of the four lawyers.