Hawaiian Myrrh-Streaming Icon Draws Hundreds to New Jersey Parish

BRICK, NJ — Hundreds of Orthodox Christians gathered at Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church in Brick, New Jersey, on October 21, 2026, to venerate the Hawaiian Myrrh-Streaming Wonderworking Icon of the Mother of God. Parishioners and visitors from surrounding communities attended the evening service.

The faithful were anointed with holy myrrh following the veneration of the icon. Fr. Nectarios, its caretaker, addressed those gathered, speaking about the wonderworking icon and encouraging the faithful to seek the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos with faith, hope, and trust.

The evening’s Akathist service was led by the parish’s acting rector, Fr. Bohdan Chaikivskyi, and Protodn. Paul Sokol of SS. Peter and Paul Church in Manville, New Jersey. Several other clergy from Orthodox parishes throughout New Jersey also participated, representing churches in Passaic, Trenton, South River, Elizabeth, and Manville.

Four additional priests and a deacon from the local Orthodox community were present for the occasion. Following the services and veneration, attendees gathered in the parish hall for refreshments and fellowship, with further opportunities to pray before the icon.

The visitation brought together Orthodox Christians from across the region for an evening of communal prayer and devotion to the Mother of God.

Previously, the UOJ reported that St. Basil’s Orthodox Church celebrated its 125th anniversary and consecration.