Like a long‑awaited child of the nation, the National Cathedral now unites both supporters and former critics in joy

At the completion of Romania’s National Cathedral, there are no longer objections from those who once opposed it—only joy remains. This is much like children who arrive unexpectedly and are not necessarily wanted by everyone. Once they are born, they are deeply loved, because everyone around recognizes the miracle through which they came into life.

The mosaic painting of the National Cathedral, completed to approximately 70%, was consecrated on Sunday, October 26, 2025, in a ceremony that brought together over 10,000 worshippers around the new national symbol.

Heads of state from both sides of the Prut River, the Custodian of the Romanian Crown, members of the Government and Parliament, and accredited diplomatic personnel in Bucharest all participated.

It was noted that some of the project’s former critics and politicians from USR—the party that had most vocally opposed public funding for the Cathedral—attended the event joyfully, led by the current President of Romania, Nicușor Dan.

In 2018, the Centennial Year of the Great Union and the year the Cathedral’s altar was consecrated, USR local councilors in the capital voted against allocating funds for the Cathedral, citing “overly generous state support for religious institutions.”

Nicușor Dan himself, then a political rival of Gabriela Firea, criticized directing public money toward the project and later, during his term as Mayor of Bucharest, did not support the construction of the Cathedral with municipal funds.

Still, at the consecration of the mosaic, President Nicușor Dan attended together with his partner, Mirabela Grădinaru, and their two children, Aheea and Antim.

Am participat alături de familie la sfințirea picturii Catedralei Naționale. O construcție născută din visul și credința multor români, care ne amintește cât de importante sunt răbdarea, încrederea și speranța atunci când clădim împreună. pic.twitter.com/ziysP8Tv7j

— Nicușor Dan (@NicusorDanRO) October 26, 2025

At the conclusion, the President and his family passed through the altar, where they venerated the relics of St. Andrew and kissed the Gospel, later posting on social media:

“I participated with my family in the consecration of the mosaic of the National Cathedral. A construction born from the dreams and faith of many Romanians, reminding us how important patience, trust, and hope are when we build together.”

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