Friday, 10 June 2016, His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church bestowed the title of iconom stavrofor to Rev. Fr. Florin Marica, patriarchal counsellor within the Theological Educational Department of the Romanian Patriarchate.
The event took place in the historical chapel of Saint Great Martyr George of the Patriarchal Residence.
At the end of the celebration, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel congratulated him and underlined the fact that his receiving of this church rank represented the recognition of his merits and encouragement.
This distinction of iconom cross bearing is the recognition of the work done so far and encouragement for what is to come. In general, as Saint John Chrysostom says, only those who fight are crowned, not those who avoid fighting or hide. Those who work are emphasised. As the prayer says, this distinction means recognising that a servant of the Church increased his talent, not buried them. There is the antithesis between the people who have talent but do not develop it, do not use it for the benefit of many, and the people who increase the talents, their talent through their work for the benefit of the community, here especially in favour of the Church, His Beatitude said.
The iconom stavrofor priest bears pectoral cross, red girdle, and epigonation at the religious services.
The rank of iconom stavrofor is awarded to the priests who unfold outstanding church activity.
