Hawaiian Iveron Icon arrives at Rila Monastery

The miraculous Hawaiian myrrh-streaming Iveron Icon of the Mother of God has arrived at the Rila Monastery in Bulgaria. The icon traveled to the monastery from Varna, where it was previously displayed at the St. Marina University Hospital for pediatric oncology and hematology.

During its visit to the hospital, Metropolitan Ioan of Varna and Veliki Preslav led prayers for the health of the children, their parents, and the medical staff. The icon, which has been known to emit myrrh for over 20 years, was received by hospital leadership, including Prof. Dr. Silva Andonova and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Milena Belcheva.

The icon is scheduled to remain at the Rila Monastery for the feast of the Dormition of St. John of Rila on August 18. This year marks the 1080th anniversary of the saint's repose. The icon arrived in Bulgaria on July 31 and is accompanied by Priest Nektarios Youngson and Priest Iliya from the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. It is expected to remain in the country until August 19.