Ukrainian Greek Catholic parish in Izmail plans to build new temple with underground shelter

Father Vladimir arrived in the city of Ismail in 2021, where he found a parish community eager to construct its own temple. Until this new building is completed, religious services are currently held in a Roman Catholic church, a facility where Father Bligh Horswick serves. The parishioners have expressed a specific desire to establish a dedicated space for their Greek Catholic worship, distinct from the existing Latin ritual site located on the streets of Palestine.

The initiative to build the new temple began with the religious community in 2021, but progress was initially hindered by bureaucratic procedures. It was not until September 2026 that a decision was formally made during a city council session to move forward with the project. The planned location for the new structure is on Avenue of Independence, situated between a large supermarket and the Georgia Temple of Pobdonozer.

The proposed construction includes a main temple building with an area of approximately 1,700 square units. Alongside the primary worship space, the plan calls for a two-story community room designed to host parishioners and Sunday-school classes for both children and adults. Given the current realities of war, the design incorporates an underground shelter with two exits to ensure safety for the congregation. Additionally, the project includes plans for a parking area for parishioners who arrive by car.

Father Vladimir has also outlined plans to establish a youth organization in Ismail known as the Young People of Ukraine. This group is described as part of a worldwide youth organization dedicated to guiding young people toward faith, God, and true church activity. The organization aims to provide spiritual direction and education for the younger generation within the community.

Financing for the construction will rely on benefactors, patrons, and concerned citizens rather than public funds. Under Ukrainian legislation, the church and the state are separated, meaning the church has no right to require money from the city budget. Consequently, the parish is actively seeking private sponsors and patrons to support the building project.

The effort to provide a stable place of worship reflects a broader commitment to serving the local community through practical care and spiritual guidance. In this context, the work of building a sanctuary and supporting youth aligns with the biblical call to care for one’s neighbors and to act with mercy, as referenced in Galatians 6:10. The project underscores the importance of creating spaces where faith can be practiced openly and where the needs of the congregation are met with tangible resources.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Ukrainian)