The Byzantine-style mosaic painting of the National Cathedral in Bucharest was consecrated on Sunday by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople and Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church, accompanied by a group of 65 hierarchs, 70 priests and 12 deacons.

Patriarch Daniel said that the presence of His All-Holiness Bartholomew I, Patriarch of Constantinople, both at the consecration of the altar of the National Cathedral in 2018, and this year at the consecration of the Cathedral's iconography is 'a testimony of unity in Orthodoxy and of the constant support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the administrative freedom and dignity of local churches'.

'His All-Holiness's reverence for the saints brings the sister Orthodox churches closer together, and through the four venerable Romanian Aghiorite saints - Saint Dionisie the Vatopedian of Colciu; Saint Niphon, Saint Nectarios the Protopsaltes and Saint Petroniu of Prodromos, whom the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate included in the Church synaxarium this year, in its working sessions of August and October, provide us concrete models of communion and cooperation in Our Lord Jesus Christ,' said the Patriarch.

The Primate of the Romanian Orthodox Church advised the consideration of the feast of the consecration of the National Cathedral painting 'as a bright moment for strengthening faith and brotherly love'.

'We pray to our Lord Jesus Christ to help us use this accomplishment as a bright moment of blessing and joy, of strengthening faith and brotherly love, knowing that the celebration of an event in the Church can also be a moment for mission renewal, a spiritual refreshment for a new beginning for the Glory of God and the salvation of people. Amen,' concluded Patriarch Daniel.

In his speech at the end of the ceremony, His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew spoke about the cult of the holy icons, bringing to mind 'the two historical anniversaries in the Orthodox Church of Romania, namely the celebration of 140 years of autocephaly following the synodal and patriarchal decision conveyed through the Tomos of autocephaly by our worthy predecessor Joachim IV in 1885, and the celebration of a century since its elevation to the rank and dignity of Patriarchate, through the Tomos issued by Patriarch Basil III in 1925'.

Source: Agentia de Stiri Basilica

'The holy icon is not a mere work of art, nor a decorative element of our churches, monasteries, or homes, but is the powerful response of Orthodox theology against the heresies that deny the truth of the Incarnation of the Son of God and of those who do not accept the deification of man through grace. (...) The Byzantine art of the icon and mosaic has given birth to singular and enduring masterpieces that are preserved in Constantinople, the main center where this art was developed and cultivated, but also in Greece - on the Holy Mount Athos, in Thessaloniki, in Crete, in Meteora, in Cappadocia, in Cyprus, on Mount Sinai, in the monasteries of Stavnic, Hora, Saint Luke, in Ravenna - Italy, in Romania, in the area of Moldova, but not only, in Serbia and elsewhere. These works of art are admired, researched and studied even by scientists, artists and sacred art beauty lovers from outside the Christian space. That is why our joy and spiritual enthusiasm today, at the completion and solemn consecration of the painting of this all too beautiful place of worship are just a perfectly fitting response. Glory to God for everything. (...) We pray that the Lord blesses, sanctifies and redeems this city, this country, and all of you together with the supplicants, granting you what is needful for your salvation. Amen,' the Ecumenical Patriarch said.

The National Cathedral in Bucharest was consecrated today through a solemn service celebrated by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and Patriarch of Romania Daniel, accompanied by an assembly of 65 hierarchs, 70 priests and 12 deacons.

The coffins with the relics of the Pious Saints Dionisie the Vatopedian of Colciu and Petroniu of Prodromos were also consecrated, and will be donated to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Patriarchal Vicar Bishop Varlaam Ploiesteanu read the Act of Consecration of the painting of the National Cathedral and the entire place of worship.

The ceremony was attended by prominent current and former state officials. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Popescu; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)