Thousands Gather for Consecration of World’s Largest Orthodox Cathedral

Thousands of pilgrims converged on Romania’s capital on March 15, 2024, to witness the consecration of religious paintings inside the world’s largest Christian Orthodox church, the People’s Salvation Cathedral. This monumental structure, which has taken 15 years to complete, stands over 125 metres (410 feet) tall and can accommodate approximately 5,000 worshippers.

The cathedral, also known as the National Cathedral, features an opulent interior adorned with frescoes and mosaics that depict revered saints and icons. The vision for a national cathedral in Romania, a country of around 19 million people, has been in discussion for over a century, yet its realization faced numerous setbacks, including two world wars and decades of communist governance that suppressed religious expression.

Romanian Orthodox Church officials have described the cathedral as “a symbol of national identity.” With approximately 85% of the population identifying as religious, Romania ranks among the most devout nations in the European Union.

Construction of the cathedral began in 2010, located behind the imposing Palace of the People, a structure built by the former communist leader Nicolae Ceausescu. The altar was consecrated in 2018, and the project has so far cost an estimated €270 million (approximately $313 million), primarily funded by public sources. Some aspects of the construction remain incomplete.

Public Reaction and Controversy

On the day of the consecration, traffic restrictions were enforced to ensure the safety of attendees, which included President Nicusor Dan and Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan. For many who could not enter, large television screens were set up outside the cathedral to broadcast the ceremony. The cathedral’s mosaics and iconography cover an expansive area of 17,800 square meters (approximately 191,000 square feetDaniel Codrescu, who has dedicated seven years to the creation of the frescoes and mosaics, emphasized the collaborative effort involved in the project. He noted that the artistic choices were informed by conversations with church leaders, art historians, and contemporary artists. Codrescu expressed hope that the cathedral would serve as a vital public space that positively impacts society.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the cathedral’s consecration, the project has faced criticism. Romania currently grapples with one of the largest budget deficits in the European Union, and some citizens have raised concerns about the allocation of public funds. Critics argue that the money invested in the cathedral could have been better spent on essential services such as education and healthcare.

Claudiu Tufis, an associate professor of political science at the University of Bucharest, referred to the cathedral as a “waste of public money,” while acknowledging that it might foster a sense of national pride for some Romanians. He remarked, “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.”

In contrast, supporters like Rares Ghiorghies acknowledge the cathedral’s significance but advocate for a more equitable distribution of resources. He stated that the funds could be more effectively utilized to address pressing issues in health and education, which he considers a matter of good governance. Ghiorghies added, “The big problem in society is that most of those who criticize do not follow the activities of the church.”

As Romania celebrates the completion of this architectural marvel, the debate surrounding its funding and societal impact continues to resonate in the hearts and minds of its citizens.