The National Cathedral, described by His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel as “a foundation for eternity,” is “Romania’s greatest achievement in modern and contemporary times,” said Metropolitan Andrei of Cluj, Maramures, and Salaj ahead of the consecration of the Cathedral’s iconography.
“To reach this moment required much struggle and devotion, and now all has been fulfilled,” emphasised His Eminence.
“It is difficult to summarise all the efforts that have been made,” he added, “but Tudor Arghezi helps us capture their essence: For the altar to stand, and the stones to endure, / The heart and life must be built into the foundation.”
“With good reason,” Metropolitan Andrei continued, “Nicolae Noica, referring to this unique project, titled his book The National Cathedral – The History of an Ideal.”
He recalled the long journey from the idea’s inception to the completion of the monumental building, describing the consecration as a defining spiritual moment.
“This year, on October 26, we will witness the great event of the Consecration of the Cathedral’s ensemble and its interior iconography, and the glorification of the Most Holy Trinity, whom we ask to protect the Romanian Orthodox Church,” concluded Metropolitan Andrei.
Over time, the dioceses of the Romanian Orthodox Church, both in Romania and abroad, have been among the most significant contributors to the building of the National Cathedral—often through donations given from “the widow’s mite.”
For this reason, 8,000 representatives of the dioceses will have reserved places at the Consecration of the Cathedral’s iconography on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
They will gather on the esplanade surrounding the Cathedral, while 2,500 clergy, state officials, and major donors will attend the service inside the holy edifice.
The iconography of the National Cathedral is made in the mosaic technique, known for its long durability and deep tradition within the Church.
Photo: Cluj Metropolis
