During their visit to Odesa on April 8, 2024, a delegation from the United States, consisting of six members of Congress and Senator Joni Ernst, visited the Transfiguration Cathedral of the UOC-MP, which was partially destroyed due to a Russian missile strike on July 23 of the previous year.
A video of the visit was published on the Telegram channel by the assistant to the cathedral's rector, Father Myroslav Vdodovych, according to the Information Department of the UOC-MP. The congressmen were shown the cathedral, which is undergoing restoration, and its sacred artifacts.
"The story of the Kasperivska icon of the Mother of God impressed everyone greatly. They were most interested in it. We showed them footage from July 23 and pointed out where the icon was located during the shelling. They were amazed at how the icon managed to survive," said Father Myroslav.
According to him, the story particularly impressed Congressman Tom Suozzi of the House of Representatives. In remembrance, he was given a copy of the miraculous Kasperivska icon of the Mother of God.
The guests also received answers to questions about what is happening in Orthodoxy today.
"The Mother of God has always protected our city from enemies, and today, when the war has been going on for over 2 years, Her Most Pure Omophorion covers all of us. We continue to restore our cathedral and hope for your support. Together, we will do much more!" - wrote the press service of the UOC-MP Diocese of Odesa.