The restored central cross of Smolny Cathedral was consecrated in the Peter and Paul's Cathedral on Saturday.

"Today we have an unusual and cheerful day because it marks the return of the cross, which not only decorates the cathedral, but also blesses the city," said Metropolitan Vladimir of St. Petersburg and Ladoga who led the ceremony.

The cross broke and fell off the cathedral during hurricane-strength winds on July 12, 2001.

The metal from which the cross was made had not been repaired since 1808, when the cathedral was built. The complex of Smolny Cathedral served as Russia's first state educational institution for women. In 1917-1918 it housed the first Bolshevik government.

The city's culture and history monuments control and protection committee ordered the restoration of the cross from restoration firm Remstroicomplex. The work is reported to cost about half a million rubles ($17,500).

During the restoration the steel frame was forged anew. Most of the original copper decorations have been retained. The cross is to be placed back on the cathedral by helicopter next Monday.

News source: www.sptimes.ru
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