On Tuesday, September 13, our monastery was granted a great blessing from the Mother of God, who vouchsafed us to receive her miracle-working and myrrh-streaming Hawaiian Iveron Icon.
The holy Icon arrived at 3:00 pm, carried by her guardian, Deacon Nektarios. She was greeted by a multitude of faithful, some of whom traveled several hours to be present. After receiving the Icon, Father Abbot Jeremiah solemnly carried her into the church, blessing the altar, the church, and all those present. Then our father abbot and the visiting clergy served the Akathist Hymn to the Icon while the pilgrims took turns venerating her. After the Akathist, the entire congregation knelt before the Icon and the priests read several prayers for health, touching the heads of the sick with the Icon. Finally, the faithful stood in line to venerate the Icon one last time, to be anointed with myrrh from the Icon, and to receive as a blessing a small copy of the Icon with her troparion in Romanian written on the back.
At 5:30 pm, the Icon had to depart for another church, and all the priests and the faithful watched as she drove away. Although we were sad for her departure, we were thankful for the undeserved blessing of standing in her presence. Everyone felt a profound peace in their hearts. Her grace was present all during the visit and remained with us even afterwards.
This day was truly a gift from the Mother of God. We thank her for her blessing and grace and we ask her to strengthen us along the path to salvation!
