Thousands Gather for Consecration of World’s Largest Orthodox Cathedral

Thousands of pilgrims gathered in Romania’s capital on Sunday for the consecration of religious paintings inside the People’s Salvation Cathedral, the world’s largest Christian Orthodox church. After 15 years of construction, the cathedral, also known as the National Cathedral, officially opened its doors to worshippers, marking a significant moment in the country’s religious and cultural landscape.

Standing at over 125 metres (410 feet) tall, the cathedral features an opulent interior adorned with frescoes and mosaics that depict revered saints and icons. Designed to accommodate 5,000 worshippers, this monumental structure serves as a testament to the deeply Orthodox heritage of Romania, a nation of approximately 19 million people. The concept of a national cathedral has been discussed for over a century but was delayed due to the impact of two world wars and decades of communist oppression that sought to suppress religious expression.

Symbol of National Identity

The Romanian Orthodox Church views the cathedral as “a symbol of national identity.” Romania is one of the most devout countries in the European Union, with around 85% of the population identifying as religious. Located behind the imposing Palace of the People, constructed under the regime of the late communist leader Nicolae Ceausescu, construction of the cathedral began in 2010, with the altar consecrated in 2018. The project has incurred costs estimated at €270 million (approximately $313 million), with the majority of funding sourced from public finances, although some works remain incomplete.

Traffic restrictions were implemented for Sunday’s service, which drew prominent figures including President Nicusor Dan and Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan. Many worshippers were unable to enter the cathedral and instead watched the proceedings via television screens set up outside. According to the cathedral’s website, the mosaics and iconography span 17,800 square meters (191,000 square feet).

The artistic vision for the cathedral’s decorations was articulated by Daniel Codrescu, who has dedicated seven years to the frescoes and mosaics. Codrescu explained that much of the iconography draws inspiration from medieval Romanian artwork and Byzantine influences. “It was a complex collaboration with the church, with art historians, with artists, also our friends of contemporary art,” he stated. He expressed hope that the cathedral would have a significant positive impact on society, emphasizing its role as a public space.

Public Sentiment and Economic Concerns

Despite the cathedral’s grandeur, not all Romanians are pleased with the financial implications of the project. Critics argue that the substantial costs associated with the cathedral could have been better allocated to vital public services such as education and healthcare. Claudiu Tufis, an associate professor of political science at the University of Bucharest, called the project a “waste of public money,” although he acknowledged it might inspire a sense of national pride for some citizens.

“The fact that they have forced, year after year, politicians to pay for it, in some cases taking money from communities that really needed that money, indicates it was a show of force, not one of humility and love of God,” he remarked. Tufis added that, from an economic perspective, the cathedral could serve as a tourist attraction in the long term.

Supporters like Rares Ghiorghies, 37, maintain that the cathedral serves an important purpose but advocate for a more balanced approach to public spending. “The big problem in society is that most of those who criticize do not follow the activities of the church,” he noted, underscoring the need for good governance in the allocation of resources.

As Romania celebrates the opening of its largest Orthodox church, the People’s Salvation Cathedral stands not only as a religious site but also as a focal point for discussions about national identity, public spending, and the role of faith in contemporary society.