The technical documentation for the restoration of the “Saints Nicholas and Alexander” Church in Sulina—known as “the first church in Continental Europe to be touched by the sun”—has been finalized, representatives of the institution announced. The church’s history is closely tied to Romania’s War of Independence.
According to Agerpres, the church was built at the initiative of King Carol I in honor of the liberation of Dobruja. It was dedicated to Saint Alexander because, on August 30, 1877—his feast day—the Romanian army captured the Grivița 1 redoubt.
In a feature story about the city of Sulina, the Spanish newspaper El País highlighted the cosmopolitan charm of the former Danube port, calling it “Kilometer Zero of a river that tells the story of Europe.” The publication quoted parish priest Fr. Marian Măcăilă Ivanov, who described the “Saint Nicholas and Saint Alexander” Cathedral as “the first church in Continental Europe touched by the rising sun.”
Historical and Cultural Significance
Built in the Neo-Romanian style based on plans by architect Nicolae C. Mihăescu, the “Saints Nicholas and Alexander” Church features interior frescoes by Gheorghe Răducanu and exterior Murano glass mosaics by Dumitru Norocea.
The building has a triconch layout, three domes, and seven crosses on the roof. The narthex is wide and consists of three aisles; the nave has curved apses, and the altar is semicircular on the inside. The church also includes a choir loft and two entrance porches.
“The church houses two objects of exceptional historical value: the iconostasis, created by Gheorghe Tattarescu, and an episcopal chair that was one of the thrones of Alexandru Ioan Cuza,” stated Fr. Marian Măcăilă Ivanov.
Financial Support
Thanks to donations and the church’s successful acquisition of the required permits, the bent cross atop the church dome will be restored between May and June. However, the structure still requires extensive repairs, especially to its load-bearing elements.
“In 2022, the Ministry of Culture, through the National Heritage Institute, launched a restoration project for the church, which included the project brief and conceptual note—funded by the ministry,” explained Fr. Ivanov.
“Now comes the most difficult but decisive step: completing the Intervention Works Approval Documentation. We also hope that funding will be secured—around €50,000–60,000—for Sulina.”
“Maybe then we’ll be able to apply for European funds and actually begin the restoration work,” Fr. Ivanov added.
The parish priest noted that earlier restoration efforts initiated in 2006 and backed by the Ministry of Culture—with technical designs completed in 2008—were suspended due to the financial crisis.
Photo: Diocese of Tulcea
