More than 300 Gather in New York for Visit of Iveron Icon

ELMIRA HEIGHTS, N.Y. — More than 300 people gathered at Holy Trinity Church of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) on Oct. 16 for a service marking the visit of the Hawaiian Iveron Myrrh-Streaming Icon of the Most Holy Mother of God. Visitors came from Orthodox parishes throughout New York’s Southern Tier, as well as from surrounding communities, to pray before the wonderworking icon.

The visit coincided with the 110th anniversary year of Holy Trinity Church’s founding. Archpriest David Cowan, the parish rector and diocesan vice-chancellor, welcomed the icon alongside Dcn. Michael Karney and six concelebrating priests representing Orthodox parishes in the region.

The clergy celebrated an Akathist to the Iveron Icon, with the parish choir providing the responses under the direction of Nina Dudek. Dcn. Seraphim Andov, who accompanied the icon, distributed myrrh to those in attendance on behalf of its guardian, Fr. Nectarios Yangson. At the conclusion of the service, the faithful approached to receive anointing with the fragrant myrrh, seeking healing for soul and body.

Fr. Cowan described the visitation as a blessing for the parish during its anniversary year. He expressed hope that those who brought their illnesses, struggles, joys, and prayers before the Mother of God would receive her intercessions and healing.

The parish hosted a reception following the service, allowing visitors to gather in fellowship after the evening’s prayers and veneration.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Hawaiian Iveron Icon Visited the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Chicago.