MUNICH: September 17, 2010
Construction on Munich’s Cathedral of the Holy New Martyrs of Russia and St Nicholas Continues

On September 26, 2010, the pre-celebration of the feast day of the Elevation of the Cross, a cupola will be erected on the roof of the new southern wing of Munich’s Cathedral of the Holy New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia and St Nicholas. This wing was completed in August. At the end of a hierarchal Divine Liturgy, at which His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Berlin and Germany of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia will officiate, the clergymen and faithful will commence with a procession of the cross to the southern wing. The cupola will be hoisted by a crane and set upon a prebuilt rod (see photo upper left).

The gilded cross will be consecrated via a special rite, which will also be lifted by the crane and affixed to the cupola. As this occurs, prayers for the Elevation of the Cross will be sung.

The plan for this cupola was drawn up 16 years ago, in 1994. The church looked completely different at the time (see photo). It was difficult to imagine that the project would become reality. Indeed, the project has also been completed.

But the growth of the parish is creating new demands. The garden workshop (see photo) is insufficient for storing tools and instruments and for workspace. The parish school is also in need of additional space.

After a great deal of thought, the idea arose to add a wing on the back, along with a basement, which will serve for storage and workshop. The ground-level floor will provide two new classrooms. An application will be filed with the municipality, which will require time and financial resources.

A central cupola is envisioned, as well as frescoes for the interior of the cathedral. The parish asks for donations to help cover costs, which will also benefit local Orthodox children.