On Wednesday evening, Patriarch Daniel of Romania welcomed a delegation from Italy at the Patriarchal Residence. The delegation delivered a fragment of the relics of Saint Andrew the Apostle from Amalfi for the National Cathedral.
The holy relic was presented by Orazio Soricelli, Archbishop of Amalfi-Cava de’ Tirreni, following a request from Patriarch Daniel.
The delegation bringing the holy relics to Bucharest included Archimandrite Andrei Anghel, Patriarchal Vicar, Prof. George Grigoriță, and Fr. Costin Spiridon, Patriarchal Counselors.
Saint Andrew’s Relics in Amalfi
Patriarch Daniel shared the history of Saint Andrew’s relics in Amalfi upon receiving the holy gift.
In the 4th century, the relics were taken from Patra to Constantinople and placed in the Church of the Holy Apostles. They remained in Constantinople until the Fourth Crusade from 1202-1204. Cardinal Pietro Capuano from Amalfi brought the relics to Amalfi after the Fourth Crusade.
On May 8, 1208, the relics were placed in the chapel in the crypt of the Cathedral of Amalfi. Some were placed under the chapel’s altar for veneration, while others, including the skull of Saint Andrew, were hidden in a secret location within a wall of the chapel to protect them during an invasion.
During the cathedral’s transformation in 1603, the relics were rediscovered but hidden again to protect them. They were found once more in 1846 during reconstruction.
Since then, the relics have been venerated in the Cathedral of Amalfi. The Finding of the Holy Relics of Saint Andrew is celebrated every year on January 28 in Amalfi.
Amalfi Archdiocese delegation invited to Romania
Patriarch Daniel expressed gratitude to those offering the relics and the delegation members for bringing them to the country.
Through these relics from Amalfi, where Saint Andrew’s skull is kept, the appreciation and veneration for Saint Andrew, the Protector of Romania, and Apostle of the Romanians are strengthened.
Patriarch Daniel expressed hope that representatives from the Archdiocese of Amalfi would attend the National Cathedral’s consecration on October 26, 2025.
National Cathedral
Saint Andrew the First-called Apostle is the patron saint of the National Cathedral. The Cathedral will also celebrate the Ascension of the Lord – Heroes’ Day.
Last fall, the National Cathedral received another fragment of Saint Andrew’s relics, the right foot’s fibula, from the Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Italy.
Additionally, in 2018, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem provided a fragment of the relics of Saint John Jacob of Neamț to the National Cathedral.
The consecration of the National Cathedral is scheduled for October 26, 2025, with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople and Patriarch Daniel officiating.
After consecration, the Cathedral will be open for liturgical services and the participation of believers. Pope Francis visited the Cathedral six years ago.
Photo: Lumina Newspaper / Luigi Ivanciu
Source: basilica.ro
