Today, both the historic Patriarchal Cathedral and the National Cathedral are celebrating their feast days, an event that won't be repeated until 2099.

The Patriarchal Cathedral's Feast

The Patriarchal Cathedral celebrates its feast day dedicated to Saints Constantine and Helen, chosen as patrons by the cathedral's founder, Prince Constantin Şerban Basarab. The church, located on Patriarch Hill, was sanctified in 1658 by Patriarch Macarius of Antioch and all the East, alongside Metropolitan Stefan of the Romanian Lands and bishops from Râmnic and Buzău.

The selection of these saints as patrons holds special significance: Prince Constantin Şerban Basarab chose Saint Constantine the Great as his spiritual protector. Constantine was the first Roman emperor to grant freedom to Christians and ushered in a new era in the history of the Church.

The National Cathedral's Feast

The National Cathedral’s main feast day is the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, which also marks Heroes' Day in Romania. On the occasion of the sanctification of the altar of the future Patriarchal Cathedral in November 2018, Patriarch Daniel officiated the first service in the church, dedicated to the memory of Romanian heroes.

Approximately 350,000 names of known Romanian heroes were placed at the foot of the Holy Table in the altar, symbolizing the connection between the sacrifice for the country and the liturgical memory of the Church. This year also marks the first celebration of the National Cathedral’s feast after the mosaic painting was consecrated on October 26, 2025.

Given the ongoing construction at the National Cathedral, both celebrations are being held exclusively on Patriarch Hill, where the Holy Liturgy was officiated by Patriarch Daniel at an outdoor altar near the historic Patriarchal Cathedral.