The monumental Cathedral of the Salvation of the Nation (Catedrala Mântuirii Neamului), the tallest Orthodox church in the world, was solemnly consecrated in Romania’s capital on Sunday. The ceremony marked one of the most significant events in the modern history of the Romanian Orthodox Church, celebrating both the 140th anniversary of its autocephaly and the 100th anniversary of the Patriarchate.

The service was led by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and Patriarch Daniel of Romania, joined by 65 hierarchs, 70 priests, and 12 deacons, according to basilica.ro. More than 10,000 people attended the consecration, including Romanian President Nicușor Dan, Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Custodian of the Romanian Crown Margareta, as well as diplomats and representatives of various faiths.

The liturgy began with the reading of the Gospel at the cathedral’s entrance. Patriarch Daniel blessed the doors with holy water, while Patriarch Bartholomew anointed them with chrism. Simultaneously, Romanian bishops consecrated the cathedral’s exterior walls.

A central part of the service was the blessing of the mosaic icons of the Apostles Andrew and Philip, who are considered to have brought Christianity to the lands of modern Romania. Two silver reliquaries containing the relics of Saint Dionysius of Vatopedi and Saint Petronius of Prodromos were also consecrated, with representatives from Mount Athos taking part in the ritual.

Situated on Arsenal Hill opposite the Palace of Parliament, the cathedral’s foundation was laid in 2007, with construction beginning in 2010 under Patriarch Daniel’s initiative. The first consecration took place on November 25, 2018, when the altar dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord and Saint Andrew the Apostle was blessed.

Standing 135 meters tall and capable of accommodating up to 6,000 worshippers, the Cathedral of the Salvation of the Nation is not only a symbol of Romanian faith and identity but also an architectural feat — designed to withstand earthquakes up to 8.5 on the Richter scale.

Photo: basilica.ro