{"id":519190,"date":"2025-03-21T14:05:21","date_gmt":"2025-03-21T12:05:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/basilica.ro\/?p=519190"},"modified":"2025-03-21T14:11:59","modified_gmt":"2025-03-21T12:11:59","slug":"resurrection-icon-cathedral-cross-installation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/basilica.ro\/en\/resurrection-icon-cathedral-cross-installation\/","title":{"rendered":"Resurrection icon to be installed at Romania\u2019s National Cathedral by Pascha; Main Dome Cross to follow in April"},"content":{"rendered":"

During Great Lent, artists of the Romanian National Cathedral are working on scenes depicting the Passion of the Lord. The icon of the Resurrection is scheduled to be installed around Holy Pascha. Meanwhile, construction teams are completing the upper levels of the cathedral to allow the dismantling of the current crane and the installation of another crane, which will place the cross atop the main dome.<\/strong><\/p>\n

By mid-March, artists were working on the second register of the Passion scenes, part of the iconographic project of the northern apse. This series culminates in the vault of the apse with the icon of the Resurrection of the Lord. The entire mosaic in the northern apse is scheduled for completion by July 1, 2025.<\/p>\n

The painters are also decorating the vestry, the diaconicon, and the prothesis\u2014auxiliary spaces of the Altar\u2014as well as developing the iconographic program for the narthex, which will be painted after the cathedral\u2019s consecration on October 26, 2025.<\/p>\n

How the Interior Will Look at the Consecration<\/h2>\n
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Daniel Codrescu, the artist who coordinates the mosaic works at the National Cathedral, announced what the holy place of worship will look like at the consecration on October 26, 2025. Photo: Lumina Newspaper<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For the consecration service, the team will install printed canvas reproductions of the iconographic program in the narthex, ensuring visual and liturgical cohesion for the festive occasion, according to church painter Daniel Codrescu, cited by Lumina Newspaper<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The designs for these surfaces must be finalized within the next two months. A team of 220 painters is working at an intense pace under Codrescu\u2019s coordination, with a target of completing at least 340 square meters per month, including work on Saturdays.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want the entire iconographic program to be shaped by a harmonious vision, which is why the painting works are progressing with intensity and dedication,\u201d said Daniel Codrescu.<\/p>\n

Main Cross to Be Installed in April<\/h2>\n
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The construction team will install the cross on the main spire of the National Cathedral in early April 2025. Photo: Lumina Newspaper \/ Mihnea P\u0103duraru<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Meanwhile, construction crews are preparing for a key moment\u2014the installation of the large cross atop the main dome, scheduled for early April.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo this end, emphasis is placed on completing both exterior and interior works at the upper levels, which require the vertical transport of large and heavy materials,\u201d explained engineer Petre Chiu\u021b\u0103, patriarchal advisor for church monuments and construction within the Patriarchal Administration.<\/p>\n

Chiu\u021b\u0103 listed several works at the higher levels: screed pouring at +97.00 m and +92.00 m; ceiling installations at +92.00 m; stained-glass window mounting in the northern apse; prefabricated concrete finishes and stone capping at +36.00 m.<\/p>\n

Completing these will allow the current crane to be dismantled and a new one installed, which will lift the cross onto the cathedral\u2019s central tower.<\/p>\n

Additional Construction Works<\/h2>\n
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Photo: Lumina Newspaper \/ Mihnea P\u0103duraru<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Interior plastering is underway in the narthex area, and installations are in progress on all levels. The niches of the Altar are being plastered, the surface of the southern terrace at -2.30 m is being prepared for waterproofing, and the base stone is being installed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe final concrete pour for the curved portico structures and domes at the main entrance has been completed. Next, the metal roofing framework will be installed,\u201d added Petre Chiu\u021b\u0103.<\/p>\n

Access to the National Cathedral\u2019s courtyard will be through two porticos, each with a dome bearing messages of gratitude: one honouring the nation\u2019s heroes and the other all donors of the sacred building.<\/p>\n

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