The pilgrimage organised at the National Cathedral to mark the consecration of its mosaic iconography has ended after 11 days, during which 315,000 faithful passed through the Holy Altar. The place of worship will remain open for visits until November 14, from 11:00 to 19:00.
The final pilgrim passed through the Holy Altar on Thursday at 2:30 a.m., after which the relics of Saint Demetrius the New — Protector of Bucharest — were taken back to the historic Patriarchal Cathedral.
The major flow of pilgrims began on October 26, immediately after the consecration of the mosaic iconography of the National Cathedral. Pilgrims came from all corners of the country to pass through the Holy Altar, and many waited 14–16 hours in line in order to venerate.
During the pilgrimage, the faithful were able to venerate the reliquary containing fragments of the relics of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Protector of Romania and of the National Cathedral. The relics of Saint Demetrius the New, Protector of Bucharest, were also brought especially for the occasion.
The flow of pilgrims remained steady throughout the event, and organisation was carried out with the help of volunteers and clergy of the Archdiocese of Bucharest, along with support from the authorities.
National Cathedral Visiting Schedule
Those who still wish to visit the National Cathedral may do so until November 14, the first day of the Nativity Fast.
Between November 15 and November 29, the National Cathedral will be closed for the continuation of interior works, and on November 30, it will reopen for the Divine Liturgy on the feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Protector of Romania and of the National Cathedral.
On 1 December, Romania’s National Day, the Te Deum service will be celebrated in the cathedral, which will remain open through December 2 inclusive. However, between December 3 and December 23, the cathedral will again be closed for the continuation of interior works.
Between December 24, 2025, and January 8, 2026, the cathedral will be open daily from 09:00 to 17:00 for visits.
On days when the National Cathedral is closed, pilgrims may pray at the nearby Chapel of the National Cathedral.
Photo: Basilica.ro / Raluca-Emanuela Ene