The parishioners of the “Saint Apostle Andrew and Saint Nicholas” church, located on the LIBERTY Galați site, can now enjoy an amazing new fresco which covers the whole of the vault’s ceiling.

Supported by LIBERTY Galați and the GFG Foundation, in partnership with the State Secretariat for Religious Affairs and the Galati City Hall, the work was carried out by painter Alexandru Cont using a special fresco technique, using mineral materials that integrate into the wall on which they are applied and ensure resistance over time for up to several hundred years.

Started in July 2022, the fresco covers 85 square meters, including the ante-temple of the church in the area of the vault, the tympanum of the nave – ante-temple and the arch in the nave – ante-temple area. The work, painted in the Byzantine style, illustrates Saint Andrew in various biblical scenes, being the patron saint of the “Steelworkers’ Cathedral” and of the entire community of Galati.

Ajay Aggarwal, President of LIBERTY Steel Group Europe and Chairman of the Board of Directors of LIBERTY Galati, said, “We gladly support the efforts of the Archdiocese of the Lower Danube to create a space for emotional and spiritual retreat on our plant, which can benefit both our steelworkers and local parishioners. We will continue to support this work in 2023, which we hope will be a year of peace and joy.”

Father Tiberiu Chiriluță said, “The Church Saint Apostle Andrew and Saint Nicholas, known as the Steelworkers’ Cathedral, has been on the plant for 20 years, during which time it has carried out numerous social and philanthropic activities. Last year we continued the extensive interior painting project of the church and we managed to paint 40% of the total area of the vault. The work will resume in spring 2023 when weather conditions allow.”

Painting the Church is part of a wider program of community involvement that includes social, educational, and philanthropic projects. Recently, the Church “Saint Apostle Andrew and Saint Nicholas” together with LIBERTY Galați and the GFG Foundation organised an event on the 20th anniversary of the consecration of the church, during which H.P.S. Archbishop Casian officiated a blessing service for the workers on the plant. The event marked the 30th anniversary of the proclamation of Saint Apostle Andrew as the patron saint of Galati, the 20th anniversary of the consecration of the church and the 10th anniversary of the involvement of the LIBERTY Galati volunteer group in the causes of the Galati community.