UOC bishop discusses restoration of Odesa Cathedral with Italian Ambassador

Metropolitan Agathangel of Odesa and Italian Ambassador Carlo Formosa. Photo: Odesa Eparchy

Metropolitan Agathangel of Odesa and Izmail received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Italy to Ukraine, Carlo Formosa, at the Dormition Odesa Monastery. The ambassador is in Odesa on an official visit as part of international agreements concerning post-war reconstruction in the city, according to the press service of the Odesa Eparchy.

The diplomat was accompanied by his wife, Monica Bartoli, and embassy staff. The meeting was also attended by Archbishop Viktor of Artsyz, the abbot of the Dormition Monastery, and Archpriest Myroslav Vdodovych, assistant rector of the Transfiguration Cathedral.

Metropolitan Agathangel congratulated Carlo Formosa on his appointment and wished him success in his diplomatic service.

"During the discussion, the parties exchanged views on the process of restoring the Transfiguration Cathedral, which was damaged by missile strikes last summer. The Italian delegation also visited the cathedral, witnessing the extent of the destruction and the progress of the restoration work," the statement said.

As reported, the Transfiguration Cathedral of the UOC in Odesa recently celebrated its patronal feast.

Read also

14th Meeting of the Assembly of Canonical Bishops Concludes in Colorado

Hierarchs gathered in Denver from Nov. 6-8, celebrating Vespers and Divine Liturgy and holding discussions on significant topics like the ongoing convert surge.

Fr. Gabriel Bunge: From Benedictine Monk to Orthodox Hermit

Steeped in the writings of Evagrius Ponticus, Swiss Benedictine Gabriel Bunge converted to Russian Orthodoxy in 2010 and became Schiarchimandrite Gabriel, guiding souls through prayer and patristic wisdom from his Alpine skete.

Abp. Elpidophoros Honored at Record-Breaking Gala

Organizers hailed the milestone as a testament to unity, with a 25% increase over last year's giving.

Greek Abbot: LGBT Ideology Signals Antichrist's Approach

Fr. Dositheos told the UOJ that imposing LGBT ideology through education is a "war against God," signals the Antichrist's approach, and surpasses Sodom's depravity, urging repentance and a return to Orthodox roots.

Abp. Elpidophoros "Excited" about Orthodox-Miaphysite Dialogue

At Brookline conference, Archbishop Elpidophoros claimed that Orthodox and Miaphysites simply express the same beliefs in different ways.

Catholic Bishops Oppose Trump's Threat to Invade Nigeria

Abp. Ignatius Kaigama rejects U.S. President Trump's threat of airstrikes to protect Nigerian Christians, warning it would harm Christian-Muslim coexistence and urging diplomatic support, funding disruptions, and security training instead.