Zelensky visits Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa destroyed by Russian missile

During a working trip to Odesa region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky viewed the damage to the Spaso-Preobrazhensky (Transfiguration) Cathedral caused by the recent massive Russian shelling of civilian infrastructure and the historic center of Odesa city.

“The Head of State was told about the extent of the destruction of the church and its current condition. The President was informed that experts are currently working to assess the possibility of restoring the building,” the President’s Office informs.

Foreign partners have expressed their willingness to contribute to the restoration of the cathedral.

It is the largest Orthodox church in Odesa, founded in 1795 and consecrated in 1808. In 1936, it was completely destroyed by the Bolsheviks. The cathedral was rebuilt in 1999-2011 on the site of its destroyed predecessor.

On July 23, 2023, the cathedral suffered significant damage due to a Russian missile attack. The altar was completely destroyed and the supporting structure of the building was damaged.