A Russian missile destroyed the central altar of the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa, as a result of which the temple was partially destroyed.
That’s according to the Odesa Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), Ukrinform reports.
"On the night of July 23, 2023, during a Russian terrorist attack on the city of Odesa, an enemy missile hit the Transfiguration Cathedral. The missile directly hit the central altar, as a result of which the cathedral building and the three lower floors were partially destroyed, while the interior and icons were significantly damaged," the posting reads.
It is noted that the service premises of the lower part of the cathedral were decimated.
It is clarified that a guard was injured in the cathedral.
"The Odesa Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church once again condemns Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, this act of terrorism against the main shrine and spiritual heart of the city of Odesa - the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral, around which peaceful civilians reside, and the cathedral itself is in no way connected with military facilities," the diocese added.
On the night of July 23, Russian troops launched another major attack on the territory of Odesa and Odesa region. As a result, one person died and 22 people were injured, including four children.