Odesa hierarch expresses condolences to flood victims

Metropolitan Agafangel of Odesa and Izmail during the divine service. Photo: uoc-news

On September 30, 2025, Metropolitan Agafangel of Odesa and Izmail addressed the faithful in connection with the flooding in Odesa, which caused human casualties and large-scale destruction. This was reported by the Odesa Eparchy’s press service.

As a result of torrential rain, which in just a few hours brought two months’ worth of precipitation, streets and hundreds of homes were flooded. Traffic in the city came to a standstill, and the disaster claimed nine lives, including a family of five.

“The Odesa Eparchy lifts up prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed. I express my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. May the merciful Lord grant them eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven!” wrote Metropolitan Agafangel.

According to him, the monasteries and churches of the eparchy opened their doors on the night after the disaster to those unable to return home and provided necessary aid to the victims. “I express my heartfelt gratitude to all the State Emergency Service personnel in Odesa region, to emergency medical doctors, to the national police, to municipal workers, to volunteers, and to everyone who selflessly helped save the lives of Odesa’s residents,” the hierarch emphasized.

Address by Metropolitan Agafangel to the faithful

Earlier, the UOJ reported that thousands of UOC faithful in Odesa honored the memory of St. Kuksha.

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