The world’s largest Orthodox cathedral in Bucharest is consecrated after 15 years and 200 million euros in public funds.
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The largest Orthodox cathedral in the world, the Cathedral of the Savior of the People in Bucharest, is set for consecration this Sunday after fifteen years of construction costing at least 200 million euros in public funds. The ceremony will be presided over by the patriarchs Daniel of Romania and Bartholomew of Constantinople. The cathedral, which is 127 meters high and features a neo-Byzantine style with eight golden-domed towers, is noted for its imposing 24-meter long iconostasis. The site also includes a large outdoor square and a vast underground area for cultural and social activities. The cathedral’s history is intertwined with Romania’s political struggles, with the project initially conceived after World War I and facing delays due to economic crises and communism. Construction was revived after the fall of Nicolae Ceaușescu, and the site was chosen opposite the People’s Palace. While the project has received significant state and local funding, the article notes that the total cost approaches 270 million euros, with only a small percentage covered by the Romanian Orthodox Patriarchate’s own funds. The article also touches upon concerns regarding the financing practices and potential conflicts of interest related to the construction.
