THIS IS HOW THE NEW CHRIST THE SAVIOR CATHEDRAL IN EAST SARAJEVO WILL LOOK

The future Cathedral of Christ the Savior, whose construction has begun in East New Sarajevo, is set to become not only the spiritual center of the city, but also a recognizable symbol of identity and historical continuity of the Serbian people in this area, said Archpriest-Stavrophore Mladen Mikavica.

PHOTO: SRNA

Mikavica, who also serves as the head priest of the cathedral, stated that construction began with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Dabar-Bosnia. So far, the foundations have been completed, including the crypt of the future cathedral.

After a detailed analysis of the initial design, certain shortcomings were identified, prompting the engagement of Belgrade-based architect Dimitrije Marinković, who revised and upgraded the project documentation.

“Significant changes were made to both the exterior and interior appearance of the cathedral, as well as to its functionality. The height of the bell tower and the central dome was reduced in order to achieve better proportions in relation to the length and width of the building,” Mikavica explained.

According to him, these architectural solutions will allow the cathedral to blend more harmoniously into the surroundings of Trg Srbija (Serbia Square), and in the future become an ornament of the city and a gathering place for the faithful.

Mikavica emphasized that Marinković has been exclusively involved in church architecture for more than three decades, with numerous completed projects of Orthodox churches in Serbia and the Republic of Srpska.

He added that the presented conceptual architectural design represents an authentic and contemporary interpretation of Serbian and Byzantine church-building tradition, respecting historical models while translating them into a modern architectural expression.

Special attention has been given to the typology of the cathedral’s layout, interior spatial organization, and visual perspectives intended for fresco painting, as well as to the exterior appearance and stone façade treatment in travertine, inspired by the most significant examples of medieval Serbian architecture.

Speaking about the continuation of construction works, Mikavica noted that significant financial resources are required due to the size and importance of the cathedral.

“Preparatory activities are underway, along with the implementation of the tender procedure for the next phase of construction, after which the financial framework up to the completion of the roof structure will be known,” Mikavica said.

He called on the faithful to participate in the construction through voluntary donations, according to their abilities, stressing that this is a shared endeavor that will primarily serve the spiritual benefit and salvation of all.

Citizens who wish to contribute can do so by making payments to the transaction account of the Serbian Orthodox Church Parish of Lukavica in East New Sarajevo at Nova Banka, account number 5557-0000-5330-0198, or by donating at the church shop of the Church of St. Basil of Ostrog in Veljine.