Zelensky and Dutch Premier inspect Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa

Rutte, Zelensky and the sacristan of the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa. Photo: President’s website

On October 13, 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte visited the partially damaged the Transfiguration Cathedral of the UOC in Odesa, as reported by the Ukrainian President's website.

The leaders inspected the damage inflicted on the largest Orthodox cathedral in Odesa following a missile strike by Russia on July 23 of the current year. During that attack, the altar was completely destroyed, and the building's supporting structure was damaged.

According to the President's press service, the officials were briefed on the ongoing expert examination regarding the possibility of restoring the cathedral. The press release did not mention the religious affiliation of the cathedral, and it did not specify that Father Myroslav Vdodovych, the cathedral's sacristan, accompanied President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

As previously reported by the UOJ, Italy and Ukraine signed an agreement to restore the UOC cathedral in Odesa.

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