Romania’s national cathedral becomes largest Orthodox church in the world
Installation of the cross on the dome of Romania’s National Cathedral. Photo: Basilica
On April 8, 2025, a 7-ton cross was installed atop the large dome of the cathedral in Bucharest, which stands approximately 130 meters high. With the addition of the cross, the structure now reaches a height of 135 meters, making it the tallest and largest Orthodox church in the world, according to the Basilica News Agency.
Before the installation, Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești, Patriarchal Vicar, performed the rite of blessing the cross.
"Today’s raising of the Holy Cross on the highest dome of our cathedral – the Dome of Almighty God, or Pantocrator – is especially significant," said the Patriarchal Vicar after the ceremony. He noted the upcoming Holy Week, when Christ was crucified on the Cross, as well as the recent canonization of 16 new Romanian saints who bore the cross of suffering during the atheist communist regime.
The National Cathedral will be consecrated on October 26, 2025, as part of the celebration of the centenary of the Romanian Patriarchate, in a ceremony led by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Romanian Church is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its Patriarchate.
Read also
OCU cleric responds to Hryshchuk's provocations at funerals for AFU soldiers
Sofroniy Chuprina refuted claims about the necessity of opening the Royal Doors during funeral services.
Kosmach residents accuse OCU monks of supporting "Russian world" ideas
Parishioners of the OCU stated that the monastery residents near the village of Kosmach use pro-Russian rhetoric, preventing them from switching to the "new calendar".
Medieval church in England safeguarded with National Lottery funds
The preservation of a 13th-century church in Leicestershire was made possible thanks to money from British National Lottery draws.
Lavra Reserve marks centenary of Bolshevik seizure of the monastery
Reconstructions of museum exhibits from the “museum town,” which the Bolsheviks proclaimed within the monastery walls, were staged by the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Reserve.
Sweden stops state support for Islamic organizations in country
The Swedish government has officially stopped all taxpayer-funded grants to the aid organization Islamic Relief Sweden (IRS) after an investigation revealed risks of connections to extremism.
Head of Montenegro’s schismatics meet with Phanar representative in Rome
A Finnish archbishop under the Phanar’s jurisdiction held a meeting with a representative of an uncanonical church structure from Montenegro.