Today, Sunday, the Oslo Cathedral (Oslo Domkirke), consecrated in 1697, was re-opened for service, following nearly four years of rehabilitation and refurbishing, at a cost of NOK 165 million.
At Sunday's festival service the congregation will include King Harald and Queen Sonja as well as Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
The most visible change in the sanctuary will possibly be the the two uncovered stain glass windows, one on each side of the altar, which were plastered over during restoration work in 1950.
However, the main restoration work has been massive repairs to the roof structure, including replacing rotten roofing beams, repairs to drainage system and foundations, as well as to the outside walls.
A complete restoration of the famous paintings in the sanctuary ceiling by Hugo Lous Mohr has been postponed, both due to lack of funds and also to the fact that experts have not yet found a safe and reliable way to carry out the work.
During the restoration work the congregation has worshipped in the nearby Trinity Church (Trefoldighetskirken).
(NRK/Aftenposten)
Today, May 17th, is Norway's National Day. It is celebrated all across the nation, from the largest community to the smallest, with parades, bands, flags, national costumes, festival services and festivities with everyone taking part, marking the day in 1814, when Norway adopted its new Constitution.
With all of the important outdoor festivities, the weather is very important on this day, and the whole nation watches the weather forecasts..
The Ministry of Environment has set aside an additional NOK 10 million in order to better secure and fireproof Norway's ancient stave churches.
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The exhibition "New Land, New Life: Norwegian Immigration in Minnesota 1825-1925" shows highlights from the Norwegian immigration to Minnesota, and is on through June 20, 2013.
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As many of our readers will know, for many Norwegians Easter vacation started already on the afternoon of Friday before Palm Sunday, and will last at least 10 days, including Monday after Easter. ..
The New York Times has named Oslo as one of the 46 most attractive travel destinations in the world in 2013, and the only Scandinavian city mentioned in the ranking.
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Former Oslo Bishop Gunnar Stålsett has been awarded the 30th Niwano Peace Prize, in recognition of his extraordinary and persistent work for peace.
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From a Norway completely covered in newfallen snow, we send our best wishes to our readers around the world this Christmas. Today, Wednesday 26th of December is Second Day Christmas in Norway. It is a Church holiday as well as a public holiday.
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Today, Sunday, Norwegians will gather to mark the anniversary of the July 22nd terrorist attacks in Oslo and at the Utøya youth camp. The anniversary will be marked by ceremonies and concerts across the country.
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The harbour chapel in Sandefjord, on the south coast of Norway, could be the world's only floating church.
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Norway's former prime minister, Kjell Magne Bondevik, has been denied a visa to travel to China. Bondevik was to have chaired a meeting of the World Council of Churches in Nanjing on Monday.
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Today, May 17th, is Norway's National Day. It is celebrated all across the nation, from the largest community to the smallest, with parades, bands, flags, national costumes, festival services and festivities with everyone taking part, marking the day in 1814, when Norway adopted its new Constitution.
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