On the night of July 23, 2023, according to the Information and Education Department of the UOC, citing the press service of the Odessa diocese, “during the Russian terrorist attack on the city of Odessa, an enemy missile hit the Transfiguration Cathedral.”

“The Russian rocket hit the central altar directly, as a result of which the cathedral building was partially destroyed, the ceilings of the three lower floors were partially destroyed, the interior decoration and icons were significantly damaged, and the office premises of the lower part of the cathedral were completely destroyed,” the report says.

Immediately after the hit, a fire started, which the rescuers quickly localized and extinguished. Rescue work carried out by employees of the State Emergency Service is underway, public utilities are working.

The damaged shrine was visited by the mayor of the city of Odessa, Gennady Trukhanov, who got acquainted with the process of localizing the fire and the scale of destruction.

The guard of the cathedral was injured, he received medical assistance and was hospitalized.

The diocesan press service reported that the Odessa diocese “condemns this terrorist act against the main shrine and the spiritual heart of the city of Odessa, around which peaceful people live and which is in no way connected with military facilities.”

The Telegram channel of the Odessa diocese also posted details for donations for the restoration of the Transfiguration Cathedral.