In Bucharest, construction is nearing completion on the National Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in Romania, which has been under construction since 2007. The grand consecration of the cathedral is scheduled for October 26, 2025, as part of celebrations marking the centenary of the Romanian Patriarchate, according to basilica.ro.
The "Cathedral of the Salvation of the Nation" was conceived after Romania gained independence, with the project initiated by King Carol I. Construction began in 2007, and the altar was consecrated on November 25, 2018. The cathedral symbolizes Romania's historical recognition and spiritual independence. The altar houses the relics of national saints, including Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu, who was martyred in 1714 following the Ottoman conquest. Additionally, a scroll bearing the names of 350,000 Romanian heroes was placed in the altar, representing the sacrifices made by the Romanian people for faith and freedom.
The cathedral will feature several significant architectural elements, including 25,000 square meters of mosaics, created under the guidance of Patriarch Daniel. This project has become the largest mosaic undertaking in the Orthodox world. The iconostasis, also made of mosaics, spans an area of over 400 square meters.
Upon completion, the cathedral will reach a height of 127 meters, making it the tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the world. The main structure will accommodate 7,000 worshippers, while the entire complex can host up to 125,000 visitors. The site will also include various cultural and social centers, such as medical and educational facilities, for pilgrims and the general public.
A key feature of the cathedral is its giant bell, which took eight months to create. Its unique acoustic properties will allow its sound to be heard up to 20 kilometers away, underscoring the cathedral's monumental and symbolic importance.