Debrecen4U October 5, 2026

Attila Square Greek Catholic Cathedral Reopens after Reconstruction

On 3 October, the renovated Greek Catholic Cathedral of the Protection of the Mother of God in Debrecen, which is more than a century old, was reconsecrated.

A decision was made in 2023 to carry out a comprehensive reconstruction of the more than century-old building. The aim of the project was to ensure that the cathedral could continue to fulfil its role in a worthy manner over the long term, preserving its historical and artistic heritage while providing the Greek Catholic community with a modern, safe environment that meets contemporary standards.

As a result of the extensive reconstruction, one of Debrecen’s most significant examples of religious and architectural heritage has not only been structurally renovated, but has also undergone a transformation of its interior and liturgical spaces and is now ready to welcome the faithful back.

According to the website of the Archdiocese of Hajdúdorog, one of the most significant elements of the interior renovation was the creation of new frescoes. Icon painter Tamás Seres and his team worked on the monumental surfaces for two years. The work was preceded by around six months of planning. One of the greatest challenges was designing the sanctuary and the area around the dome, as well as painting the enormous image of Christ Pantocrator.

Around 4,000 sheets of gold leaf were used for the background of the image of Christ, whose face is 1.5 metres high. The original frescoes in the dome and pendentives of the church were also restored. These works were created by Ferenc Lohr, and the colour palette revealed during the restoration provided an important starting point for the creation of the new images. The aim was to create a harmonious unity between the old and new artistic elements.

Source and photo credit: dehir.hu