Located in picturesque coastal Odesa, the Transfiguration Cathedral is one of the symbols of spiritual devotion and architectural brilliance of Ukraine. This one of the most outstanding monuments would continue to fascinate people with its beauty and deep spiritual aura, but on July 23, 2023, a Russian shell pierced the right part of the building, damaging the central supports, the foundation, all the windows were blown out, and the stucco was destroyed. Let's recall the history of this extraordinary monument.
After the solemn consecration of the city of Odessa, the construction site of the church in honor of Nicholas the Wonderworker was consecrated on Cathedral Square, and a year later the first stone was laid. This temporary church became the ancestor of the future cathedral. The construction was entrusted to the architect, engineer-captain V. Vonrezant, according to whose project the construction was planned to be completed in 1797, but the solemn consecration of the church took place only on May 25, 1808.
Empress Catherine II provided significant funds. The builders worked for several months and managed to bring the building down to the base only. But soon, as a result of the death of the empress, by order of Paul I, the construction of the temple, like other construction works in Odessa, was stopped. Construction was continued only in 1804, a year after Duke de Richelieu was appointed mayor of Odessa. In 1808, the construction of the main massif of the cathedral was completed.
Architectural defects of the cathedral, which arose during numerous additions, were corrected during the last reconstruction of 1900-1903. The interior of the temple was impressive - a lot of light and space. The columns in the interior in the Corinthian order were veneered with artificial white marble. The floor is made of white marble slabs. The new iconostasis is made of grayish-white polished marble. Above the throne rose a dome-shaped cover on independent columns.
In 1936, the cathedral was destroyed by the Bolsheviks. It is believed that the building was blown up. However, archaeological excavations showed otherwise - the foundation remained intact. The cathedral was first looted, and then dismantled. The Bolshevik authorities of the city planned to create a place for entertainment here, but academician Volodymyr Filatov managed to save it from desecration. And only in the early 2000s, the Odessa shrine was restored.
Upon entering the Transfiguration Cathedral, visitors were immediately greeted by examples of artistic greatness. Luxurious decorations with exquisite frescoes, gilded iconostasis and stunning wall paintings.
Throughout its existence, the Transfiguration Cathedral served as more than just a place of worship. He witnessed important historical events, including the growth and development of the city, while providing solace to local residents in times of turmoil.
This place was and remains an integral part of cultural heritage and a symbol of inescapable faith. Even now, after the attack by Russian rockets: the projectile hit the central altar, as a result of which the cathedral building was partially destroyed, the three lower floors were covered, the interior decoration and icons were significantly damaged, and the service premises of the lower part of the cathedral were completely destroyed.
The international community did not ignore these imminent actions of the Russian authorities. The Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, said that her country is ready to participate in the reconstruction of the Savior and Transfiguration Cathedral, which was damaged as a result of a missile strike by the occupation forces of the Russian Federation on Odesa.
Transfiguration Cathedral in Odessa remains an eternal testimony of human creativity, devotion and spiritual aspiration. With its impressive architecture, rich history and deep cultural significance.
Source: viknaodessa.od.ua
