National Cathedral

The National Cathedral’s bronze doors: Over 50 Saints depicted

The entrance to the National Cathedral in Bucharest is made possible through 27 bronze doors depicting our Saviour Jesus Christ, the Mother of God, the Holy Apostles, as well as several Romanian saints. The doors are a distinctive feature of the church; each weighs approximately 800 kilograms and is operated by an automatic opening and…

Oct 21, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

The Bells of the National Cathedral: Characteristics and symbolism (pdf)

There are nine days left until the bells of the National Cathedral will ring for the inauguration of the holy edifice, when Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Patriarch of Romania will consecrate its mosaic painting. The Archdiocese of Bucharest has prepared a series of presentation leaflets about the National Cathedral, which the Romanian people have…

Oct 17, 2025Ștefana Totorcea

Where the outdoor altar of the National Cathedral will be located (PDF)

Major feast days gather thousands of faithful for the Divine Liturgy, as recently witnessed during the pilgrimage to Saint Paraskeva in Iași, where approximately 30,000 people attended the service celebrated at an outdoor altar. On such occasions, the Divine Liturgy at the National Cathedral will be celebrated at an outdoor altar, making it possible for…

Oct 16, 2025Alexandru Boboc

What to Notice Before Entering the National Cathedral: The Porticoes, the Square, and the Towers (pdf)

In just eleven days, you will be able to witness the Great Consecration of the National Cathedral. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Patriarch Daniel will celebrate the service. Beginning on Sunday, 26 October 2025, the faithful will have the opportunity to enter the Cathedral and venerate even in the Holy Altar until the end of the…

Oct 15, 2025Ștefana Totorcea

Discover the Key Coordinators and Builders of the National Cathedral (PDF)

As the National Cathedral nears its consecration, this is a fitting moment to present the main coordinators and builders of this emblematic place of worship for our nation. The construction of the National Cathedral has been the fruit of a collaborative effort involving architects, project managers, specialized consultants, construction firms, and coordinators appointed by the…

Oct 15, 2025Alexandru Boboc

Key moments in building Romania’s National Cathedral: Download free PDF flyer

We are rapidly approaching the consecration of Romania’s National Cathedral, originally named the “Romanian People’s Salvation Cathedral,” yet whose history remains little known. The construction of Romania’s National Cathedral is a process unfolding in our own time, even though the first initiative to build such a cathedral in Bucharest dates back to the reign of…

Oct 13, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Great-grandniece of Romanian Confessor Saint creates icon for National Cathedral

The mosaic portrait of Saint Elijah Lăcătușu, a newly canonised Romanian Confessor Priest of the 20th century, that will be placed inside Romania’s National Cathedral, was created by the Saint’s great-grandniece, Andreea Daria Guran. “This gesture is at once a gift from today’s generation to that of yesterday, and a testimony that holiness is not…

Aug 27, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania counts down 60 days to consecration of National Cathedral in Bucharest

Beginning Wednesday, August 27, only 60 days remain until the great consecration of the National Cathedral, scheduled for October 26, 2025, when Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will come to Bucharest for this unique event dedicated to the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate. While construction teams are finalising the last installation works—particularly the fire suppression and smoke…

Aug 27, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Mosaic of Virgin Mary Orans installed in Romania’s National Cathedral ahead of Dormition Feast

Ahead of the great feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, the mosaic depicting the Virgin Mary Orans has been installed in the narthex of Romania’s National Cathedral. In this image, the Most Holy Theotokos is shown with her hands raised and palms open, with the Child Jesus depicted on her chest —…

Aug 12, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Seven-tonne cross installed atop Romania’s National Cathedral: A top engineering moment

On Tuesday, a seven-tonne cross was installed at approximately 130 meters above sea level atop the main dome of Romania’s National Cathedral. “The top engineering moment was elevated by the blessing service officiated by His Grace Varlaam of Ploiești,” said Fr. Nicolae Crîngașu, Patriarchal Counselor coordinating the Department for Church Monuments and Construction at the…

Apr 9, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

National Cathedral doors combine fire safety and sacred art as 2025 consecration nears

To remain open to the public after its grand consecration, Romania’s National Cathedral must meet all safety standards set by the relevant authorities. One of the most essential requirements is ensuring safe evacuation in the event of a fire. Since the cathedral can accommodate approximately 5,000 people, ensuring their safe evacuation poses a significant challenge.…

Mar 21, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu