Visit of Miraculous Myrrh-Streaming Icon

On Friday evening, October 21, 2011 the faithful of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church were granted once again the blessing to greet the wonder-working myrrh-streaming Iveron Icon of the Theotokos from Hawaii. Priest John Vass led the moleben service and akathist concelebrated by Archpriest Gregory Mathewes-Green rector of Holy Cross Antiochian Orthodox Church; Priest Joseph Toroney (OCA) and Priest Karl Andrew Kish (Carpatho-Russian) and Deacon Michael Bishop of the parish. Well over 100 people, coming from many of the Orthodox churches in Baltimore filled the temple for the moleben and akathist which was sung in both English and Slavonic. The faithful offered to the Theotokos fervent prayers in a spirit of thankfulness and lightness of heart. Many stayed until the end to receive pieces of myrrh-soaked cotton and special blessing from the icon. In his sermon at the end of the service, Fr. John said that such miraculous icons are manifested to us to remind us of the many wondrous works of the Lord. “We should always remember that our Lord through His compassion and love for mankind took flesh and became man dwelling in the all pure womb of the Theotokos for our salvation. Christ Jesus being in the form of God did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond-servant, and coming in the likeness of men (Phil. 2:6-7). “Looking at such wonders we inevitably think about heaven and are thereby inspired to raise up our hearts and minds to more heavenly things throughout our daily life,” Fr. John said. Afterwards, the priests anointed everyone with myrrh from the icon. The heavenly fragrance of the myrrh filled the whole church. The icon abundantly streamed myrrh throughout the evening. O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqJc0Knt7Ao