The world's second-largest Orthodox cathedral and fourth-largest Christian cathedral, under construction since 2010, opened with an official ceremony led by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

Around 5,000 people attended inside and 7,000 followed outside. The presidents of Romania and Moldova, the Romanian Prime Minister, Princess Margareta and Prince Radu attended.

Marmara Group Foundation President Dr. Akkan Suver and Secretary General Sezgin Bilgic joined as guests of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.