Within the framework of the Nativity of Christ Cathedralrenovation project “SVET”, initiated by the entrepreneur Guntis Rāvis, the central cupola of the cathedral is to be gilded.

Metropolitan Alexander emphasised that gold is a symbol of eternity and beauty, and beauty is God. It was said in the Holy Scriptures long ago that God commanded the gilding of the temple in Jerusalem, and this tradition is being continued today by gilding thebell-tower and the central cupola of this cathedral as well.

Guntis Rāvis, the initiator of the campaign “SVET” and the Chairman of the Board of the company Skonto Būve, has waited a long time for this moment to come. The project was launched 11 years ago and during this time he supported the renovation of the cathedral facade and the interior as well as the gilding of the bell-tower. Now the preparation works have started in order to gild the central cupola. The entrepreneur sees this campaign as a mission and is thankful to God for having the opportunity to accomplish such a project.

Metropolitan Alexander, the Chairman of the Riga City Council N. Ušakovs and his deputy A. Ameriks have thanked G. Rāvis for his support in the renovation of the cathedral and noted that he is one of the few entrepreneurs whose actions have contributed to making Riga more attractive in the eyes of local inhabitants and tourists.

The gilding of the 380 square metre cupola will be carried out by using 23 carat golden plates and by applying traditional gilding techniques. 5.5 grams of gold is to be used on each square metre; 2 kg of the precious metal in total. The estimated completion time of this work is at the end of this year. The renovation is going to be performed by highly qualified professionals under the guidance of experienced masters in gilding.

This campaign is open to everyone; each inhabitant may participate and help to renovate the cathedral by calling 90006288 and donating LVL.

The campaign “SVET” is the largest-scale campaign in Latvia, launched upon the initiative of G. Rāvis in 2002. Additional information http://www.grf.lv/lv/svet/