On 13 November 2015, feast of Saint John Chrysostom, the third dedication day of the Chapel of the National Cathedral, His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, has been in the middle of the faithful present at the chapel and awarded church diplomas and distinctions to several benefactors and supporters of social–philanthropic activities unfolded at this Chapel. Thus, the group of volunteers of the Chapel of the National Cathedral involved this year in the campaign of the Romanian Patriarchate entitled “Give blood! Save a life!”, as well as in the implementation of the “Good health for villages” Campaign unfolded by the Romanian Patriarchate in partnership with the Ministry for Health, were awarded the Saint John Chrysostom Diploma and Medalon behalf of the Romanian Patriarchate.
His Beatitude awarded the same distinction to a family with quite a special story, within the community formed at the Chapel of the National Cathedral: family of Mr Cristian Romulus Maican. Maican family has two children. Their latter son, Viorel, is 25 years old, and suffers from autism, and this is certainly a great trial for parents and for the entire family. But their most important support in this great suffering came from the Church, where from they received moral, spiritual, and social help. This family who is always present at the services in the Chapel of the National Cathedral, as well as at many other administrative activities won the sympathy of all faithful through their determination and involvement in the life of the community, through their strong faith, in spite of the great hardships that such a diseases brings about. Their relation to God in this great trial can be a model for many of us who give up very quickly, in general, when faced with the great trials of life.
The award of Saint John Chrysostom Diploma and of a financial aid by His Beatitude Daniel brings comfort and encouragement to this family and urges us all to be more sensitive and better, and show more parental and brotherly love!
