Woman Receives Healing After Praying Before Hawaiian Iveron Icon

LOVECH, BULGARIA — A woman received healing from a severely damaged meniscus after praying before the miraculous Hawaiian Myrrh-Flowing Iveron Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos during its recent visit to Bulgaria, according to Metr. Gabriel of Lovech.

The woman was hospitalized with the serious knee injury when she came before the icon during its visit to Sofia. She prayed to the Mother of God, asking for healing and assistance. The following day, she returned to the icon — not to ask for help, but to give thanks after experiencing an unexpected improvement in her condition.

Metr. Gabriel recounted the healing during the Divine Liturgy celebrated in Lovech on Aug. 9, during the icon’s two-day visit to the city. He presented the woman’s experience as a testimony to the miraculous help associated with the holy image, which has been venerated by Orthodox Christians around the world.

The Hawaiian Iveron Icon arrived in Lovech on Aug. 8 with its guardian, Priest Nektarios Yangson, and Fr. Elijah of Cleveland, Ohio. The icon continued to flow fragrant myrrh as thousands of pilgrims gathered before it in prayer. Many remained in the cathedral throughout the night.

At the conclusion of the visit, Metr. Gabriel collected fragrant myrrh that had flowed from the icon. The Lovech Diocese will preserve it for use in anointing the faithful.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Hawaiian Iveron icon visited Midwest and East Coast parishes.