Odesa Cathedral, a beloved monument in the Ukrainian city of Odesa, has been reduced to ruins after a Russian airstrike on Sunday night. The cathedral, which was first built in 1794, has suffered extensive damage, with half of the structure now roofless. The destruction has sparked outrage in Odesa.
Andrii Paltsjuk, a deacon at the cathedral, described the devastation as enormous. One person was killed in the attack, and 22 others were injured, including two individuals who were inside the cathedral at the time of the airstrike. The missiles directly hit the church, causing significant damage.
Paltsjuk expressed hope that with God’s help, they would be able to rebuild the cathedral. He reportedly broke down in tears while making the statement. The cathedral’s top priest, Myroslav Vdodovytsj, walked through the ruins on Sunday, describing the attack as barbaric and an act of terrorism.
Workers were seen on Sunday transporting valuables and documents out of the damaged cathedral. Anna Fetsjenko, a woman helping with the cleanup, lamented the loss of their Ukrainian heritage. Another woman involved in the cleanup expressed the belief that God had taken the pain and explosion upon himself to protect their homes.
Vdodovytsj echoed this sentiment, stating that the cathedral had saved lives by absorbing the impact of the attack. The cathedral had recently hosted a funeral in April for a Ukrainian family killed in a bombing.
The original cathedral was built in 1794 but was destroyed during Josef Stalin’s attempts to suppress religion in the Soviet Union. It was rebuilt in the 1990s. The cathedral belongs to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which has faced accusations of having ties to Russia. However, the church’s leadership has insisted on its loyalty to Ukraine, condemning the Russian invasion and declaring its independence from Moscow.
Vdodovytsj emphasized that a church that supports war and killing cannot be considered a true church, stating his opposition to violence. The destruction of the Odesa Cathedral has left the community devastated, as they mourn the loss of their cherished Ukrainian heritage.
Published: 26.07.23 at 00:59
What measures are being taken by the local authorities and concerned citizens to assess and restore the damaged Odesa Cathedral, and how can international support aid in this process
Odesa Cathedral, an adored landmark in Odesa, Ukraine, has been left in ruins following a devastating Russian airstrike on Sunday evening. Originally established in 1794, the cathedral has been severely impacted, leaving half of its structure devoid of a roof. This act of destruction has evoked a strong sense of indignation among the people of Odesa.
Andrii Paltsjuk, a respected deacon within the community, expressed his deep sorrow and dismay at the loss of the cathedral. He described it as a sacred place that held immense historical and cultural significance for the city. The destruction of such a revered monument has left the community in a state of shock and grief.
The Odesa Cathedral, known for its beautiful architectural design and religious prominence, served as a focal point for worshippers and tourists alike. Its demise has stirred up a wave of anger and frustration among the locals, who view it as an act of cultural and religious attack.
Efforts are being initiated by the local authorities and concerned citizens to assess the extent of the damage and plan for the restoration of the cathedral. The aim is to revive its former glory and ensure that future generations can appreciate its historical value.
The assault on Odesa Cathedral adds to the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, deeply impacting the cultural heritage of the region. It also highlights the need for international support and condemnation of such acts of destruction, which target cherished landmarks and tear apart the fabric of communities.
As the people of Odesa mourn the loss of their beloved cathedral, they remain resilient and hopeful that it can be restored to its former grandeur. Through collective efforts and unwavering determination, they seek to rebuild not just a physical structure, but also a symbol of unity and pride for the city and its inhabitants.
This is absolutely heartbreaking. The destruction of cultural and historical sites affects not only a city, but an entire nation. It’s devastating to witness such disregard for our shared heritage.
This heartbreaking news of the Russian air strike devastating a cathedral in Odessa is a reminder of the devastating impact of war on innocent lives and cultural heritage. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the affected community as they cope with this tragic loss.