Italy Commits €500,000 to Aid Restoration of Odessa’s Transfiguration Cathedral

Information and Education Department of UOC – OCP News Service – 16/01/2024

Kyiv – Ukraine: In a gesture of solidarity, the Italian government has pledged €500,000 to help restore the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odessa, a historic landmark partially damaged by a Russian missile attack in July 2023. This initial installment, reported by the Information and Education Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and confirmed by Ukrainian government sources, will be directed towards urgent repairs through UNESCO’s accounts.

The cathedral, a prominent symbol of Odessa’s cultural heritage, sustained significant damage to its roof and stained-glass windows during the attack. This latest contribution from Italy marks a significant step towards its restoration, following an agreement signed between the two countries in October 2023.

“This cathedral is of great importance to the residents of Odessa,” stated Hennadiy Trukhanov, Mayor of Odessa, upon announcing the first tranche of assistance. “It is crucial to preserve and restore the cathedral using any means, including with UNESCO’s assistance.”

The allocated funds will reportedly focus on immediate stabilization efforts, likely encompassing temporary roofing and damage assessment. While the total cost of restoration remains undetermined, Italy’s commitment serves as a beacon of international support for Odessa’s cultural revival amidst the ongoing conflict.

The Transfiguration Cathedral, consecrated in 1808, holds immense architectural and religious significance for Odessa. Its restoration symbolizes not only the resilience of the city’s cultural heritage but also the collaborative efforts of the international community in preserving shared cultural treasures during times of war.

Further details regarding the timeline and scope of the restoration project are expected in the coming weeks.

Source:

OCP News Service