St Paul of the Cross Cathedral

St Paul of the Cross Cathedral, known locally as Свети Павел от Кръста, stands as a beacon of faith and architectural splendor in the heart of Ruse, Bulgaria. This magnificent Roman Catholic cathedral, dedicated to St Paul of the Cross, the founder of the Passionist Fathers, is not only a place of worship but also a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region.

The History of St Paul of the Cross Cathedral

The journey of St Paul of the Cross Cathedral began in 1890 when the first stone was laid. Despite the initial efforts of Bishop Hippolyte Agosto, the collected funds, primarily from abroad, were only sufficient to raise the walls to a mere meter above the ground. It was at this crucial juncture that Bishop Agosto encountered Father Henri Dulcé, a Passionist priest from a wealthy and noble French family. With the support of his affluent friends, the construction of the cathedral was completed in 1892.

The cathedral, designed by Italian architect Valentino Dell' Antonio from Moena, boasts a Neo-Gothic style with a striking 31-meter bell tower. The church was consecrated and began its religious functions shortly thereafter. Tragically, Bishop Hippolyte Agosto passed away in Belene in 1893, and Father Henri Dulcé succeeded him as the new bishop of the Nicopolis Diocese.

Under the floor of the central nave lie the remains of two bishops: Hippolyte Agosto and Damian Theelen. More recently, on September 19, 2020, Bishop Petko Hristov was interred in a special chapel within the cathedral.

Architectural Marvels and Interior Design

The interior of St Paul of the Cross Cathedral is a visual feast, designed in the style of Bible for the Laity. During Bishop Henri Dulcé's tenure, the cathedral was adorned with exquisite Gothic-style wood carvings on the altars and necessary furnishings, imported from Bohemia. The beautiful stained glass windows, crafted by the master artist Sandor from Budapest, Hungary, add a touch of ethereal beauty to the cathedral.

These stained glass windows depict various significant scenes and figures, including the French heroine St. Joan of Arc, scenes from the life of Christ, and images of apostles Peter and Paul. Other notable depictions include St. Anthony of Padua, St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Stephen of Hungary, St. Paul of the Cross, the founder of the Passionist Congregation, and the holy brothers Cyril and Methodius, the enlighteners of the Slavic peoples.

The cathedral is a rare example of Gothic architecture (brick Neo-Gothic) in Bulgaria, making it a unique and significant landmark in the country.

The Oldest Organ in Bulgaria

One of the most remarkable features of St Paul of the Cross Cathedral is its organ, the oldest preserved organ in Bulgaria. Installed in 1908 by the technician Matecki, this instrument was purchased in 1907 for 6,675 German marks. The organ, built by the German organ builder Voit in Karlsruhe, is one of the few surviving examples of their work after World War II. It has a romantic sound and is the only one with pneumatic action in Southeastern Europe.

The organ comprises two manuals (keyboards for hands) with a tonal range of 54 tones (from C to f3), a pedalboard (keyboard for feet) with 27 tones (from C to d1), 13 registers, and 8 additional functions, including tremulant, super octave, couplers (II/I, I/P, II/P), and more. The necessary air pressure for the organ was initially produced by a foot-operated bellows system, which has since been replaced by an electric blower. The instrument consists of 771 pipes and features a Gothic-style prospect that harmonizes with the cathedral's overall design.

The first concert on the organ took place in July 1908, performed by organist Emanuel Pol from Bucharest, in the presence of the citizens of Ruse. Unfortunately, the organ was severely damaged during the Vrancea earthquake in 1977 and was completely out of order after 1992. It was restored in 2004 by Gerhard Walkel-Mayer. Since 1952, the cathedral's organist has been Mitko Karadzhov.

Notable Events and Ordinations

St Paul of the Cross Cathedral has been the site of several significant ordinations. Bishop Eugene Bosilkov was ordained as the Bishop of Nicopolis on October 7, 1947, by Bishop Ivan Romanov, with co-celebrants Exarch Ivan Garufalov and Exarch Kiril Kurtev. More recently, Bishop Strahil Kavalenov was ordained on March 19, 2021, as the Bishop of Nicopolis by Archbishop Anselmo Guido Pecorari, with co-celebrants Bishop Georgi Yovchev and Bishop Hristo Proykov.

In conclusion, St Paul of the Cross Cathedral is not just a place of worship; it is a historical and cultural gem in Ruse, Bulgaria. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and the oldest preserved organ in Bulgaria make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this beautiful city. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply seeking a place of serenity and reflection, St Paul of the Cross Cathedral offers a truly unforgettable experience.