The Times: The Cathedral of the Salvation of the Nation becomes a symbol of Romanian Orthodoxy and of resistance against Russian influence

Built in the center of Bucharest, between the Ministry of Defense and the Palace of the Parliament, the Cathedral of the Salvation of the Nation rises to 127 meters and can accommodate 5,000 worshippers. The Times emphasizes that this building represents an assertion of Romania's soft power in a geopolitical context where Russia is expanding its spiritual influence. Although the Kremlin has not reacted officially, pro-Kremlin channels have mocked the event, questioning Romania's legitimacy as an Orthodox nation.

The opening of the cathedral has geopolitical implications, considering the rivalry between the Romanian Orthodox Church and the Russian one, especially after the invasion of Ukraine. Expert Lucian Leustean believes that the opening of the cathedral is more an assertion of Romanian national identity than a direct challenge to Moscow, symbolizing a shift in the power dynamics in the region.