The National Cathedral in Romania has been gifted a significant relic: a fragment of the right leg fibula of Saint Andrew the Apostle. The donation was made by His Grace Siluan, Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Italy, on behalf of all the parishes in the Italian peninsula.
His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel received the holy relic during a ceremony held Wednesday at the Patriarchal Residence. The delegation from Italy also presented a relic of Saint Gregory the Enlightener, Archbishop of Armenia, who is the patron saint of one of the chapels of the Patriarchal Residence.
“This is a great blessing, especially as we are preparing for the consecration of the painting and the exterior of the National Cathedral in the autumn of 2025, on the occasion of the Romanian Patriarchate’s centennial,” said Patriarch Daniel.
Providential Connection to St. Andrew
Patriarch Daniel highlighted the divine providence connecting the National Cathedral to Saint Andrew, its spiritual protector:
“When construction began for the Romanian People’s Salvation Cathedral, the skull of Saint Andrew was brought from Greece. At the altar’s consecration, his hand was brought by His Eminence Chrysostomos, Metropolitan of Patra. Now, His Grace Bishop Siluan brings us the right leg fibula of Saint Andrew from Italy.”
“This symbolizes the head that conceived the cathedral, the hand that built it, and the leg representing stability, as the saint wishes to remain in Romania to strengthen the apostolic faith of the people. This blessing from God is deeply meaningful.”
Relic Preservation Plans
To preserve the relic, which measures 33 cm, a special reliquary is being crafted. Patriarch Daniel shared details about the unique design:
“We decided the reliquary would be shaped like the cathedral up to its cornices. We already have the tabernacle made for the altar’s consecration, and this reliquary will be half the size of the tabernacle. Instead of towers, the reliquary’s lid will feature the cathedral’s design. Inside, there will be an enamelled icon of the saint, and the fibula will be displayed under a crystal glass cover.”
Acknowledgment of the Gift
In gratitude for the gifts, Patriarch Daniel presented Bishop Siluan with a censer crafted in the Patriarchal Workshops. Father Nicolae Secită of the Romanian Orthodox Parish in Padua West-Mestrino received the Metropolitan Order of “Saint Demetrius the New” and a censer from the same workshops.
Photo: Lumina Newspaper / Luigi Ivanciu
