Wonderworking Hawaiian Iveron Icon Makes Historic First Visit to Japan
The wonderworking Hawaiian Iveron Icon made its first-ever pilgrimage to Japan, drawing hundreds of faithful to Tokyo and Kyoto for prayer, veneration, and a historic celebration of Orthodox unity.
TOKYO, JAPAN — The wonderworking Hawaiian Iveron Icon of the Theotokos made its first historic visit to Japan in late November, drawing hundreds of Orthodox faithful to Tokyo and Kyoto for prayer and veneration. Known for streaming holy myrrh, the icon is housed at the Iveron Church of the Most Holy Theotokos in Kailua, Honolulu, and traveled under the care of its guardian, Fr. Nectarios Yangson.
The long-anticipated visit, originally planned for 2020 and delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, began on November 21 at Tokyo’s Holy Resurrection Cathedral, where Met. Seraphim of Tokyo welcomed the icon before more than 200 worshippers. Faithful received anointing with myrrh, while relics of St. Nikolai of Japan were exchanged as gifts between the Japanese and Hawaiian churches.
The pilgrimage continued in Kyoto on November 23, marking the 55th anniversary of the local episcopal throne. A multilingual Divine Liturgy was celebrated as the icon’s fragrance filled the church, highlighting the deep spiritual significance of the visit for Orthodox Christians across Japan.
Previously, the UOJ reported on the installment of a Romanian church in Japan's only Orthodox cemetery.
