Wonderworking Hawaiian Icon of the Mother of God Arrives in Bulgaria

SOFIA — The wonderworking myrrh-streaming Hawaiian Icon of the Mother of God was formally welcomed in Sofia on Aug. 3, 2026, marking the beginning of a nationwide pilgrimage that will bring the revered icon to Orthodox faithful across Bulgaria through Aug. 19, 2026.

Patr. Daniel of Bulgaria, together with bishops and clergy of the Sofia Metropolis, received the icon at Vasil Levski Airport from a delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), which brought the icon to Bulgaria for its first visit to the country.

Addressing the ROCOR delegation, Patr. Daniel expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the icon during the Dormition Fast, noting that it will travel throughout Bulgaria, allowing thousands of faithful to venerate it.

"This small icon, which is not even a painted image but a printed reproduction — a photograph of the Montreal Icon of the Mother of God that was lost several decades ago — bears witness that God, the Most Holy Theotokos, and the saints are close to us and continue to pour out their grace upon us," His Holiness said.

Bp. Irenei of London and Western Europe, who accompanied the icon, thanked the Bulgarian Orthodox Church for welcoming the shrine on its first visit to the country:

"This icon is not the original, but a very small copy. It resembles our hearts, because we too are very small and weak. Yet despite this, great miracles can take place in every one of our hearts."

According to the official itinerary, the Hawaiian Icon will remain in Bulgaria until Aug. 19, 2026, visiting the dioceses of Sofia, Nevrokop, Vidin, Vratsa, Lovech, Varna and Veliki Preslav, Veliko Tarnovo, and Sliven, as well as the historic Rila Monastery.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Bulgarian clergy had rallied behind Patr. Daniel amid a dispute with a suspended archimandrite.