His Excellency Orazio Soricelli, Archbishop of Amalfi-Cava de’ Tirreni (Catholic Church), has offered a relic of Saint Andrew the Apostle for the Romanian National Cathedral. The gift was handed over Tuesday evening to a delegation from the Romanian Patriarchate by the general vicar of the archdiocese.
The delegation, present in Italy, consisted of Bishop Siluan of Italy, Archimandrite Andrei Anghel, Patriarchal Vicar, Rev. Prof. George Grigoriță, Patriarchal Counselor, and Fr. Costin Spiridon, Patriarchal Counselor.
The holy relic was provided at the request of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel. The event took place after the pontifical Mass officiated in the “Saint Andrew” Cathedral in Amalfi, on the feast of the Finding of the Honourable Skull of Saint Andrew the Apostle.
Patron Saint of Romania
His Grace Bishop Siluan spoke about the importance of Saint Andrew the Apostle for the Romanian people and the fact that the National Cathedral will be consecrated in October.
“First of all, I wish to express gratitude, as well as the patriarchal greeting and blessing of His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, who expresses the joy of receiving, through this gift, not just a piece of Saint Andrew, but Saint Andrew himself, who is the protector of the National Cathedral under construction and which will be consecrated on October 26 this year in Bucharest,” said His Grace.
“We consider that saints, as was mentioned earlier, unite us, and Saint Andrew is considered the protector of Romania and the Apostle of the East, particularly of Romania. However, this year is very special for our Church, as it marks 100 years since, in 1925, the Romanian Orthodox Church was honored to become a Patriarchate and to elect its Patriarch, as it had been electing its leader since 1885.”
Gratitude
As a token of gratitude, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel presented a pectoral cross to His Excellency Orazio Soricelli.
The Metropolitan Order “Saint Demetrius the New” was awarded to Father Antonio Porpora, who contributed to the offering of the relics of Saint Andrew the Apostle.
Additionally, His Beatitude offered a prism representing the National Cathedral.
The National Cathedral
Saint Andrew the Apostle was chosen as the patron saint of the National Cathedral, with the second patronal feast being the Ascension of the Lord – Heroes’ Day.
The National Cathedral will be consecrated on October 26, 2025, by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople and Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church.
This event marks the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate. 2025 will mark 140 years since the Romanian Orthodox Church was recognized as an Autocephalous Church and 100 years since it was elevated to the rank of Patriarchate.
After the consecration, the Cathedral will remain open for liturgical service and the participation of believers.
Six years ago, Pope Francis visited this emblematic place of worship for Romanian Orthodoxy.
Photo: Fr. Cristian Țuțuroi
