Hawaiian Iveron Icon Arrives in Sofia, Bulgaria

A myrrh‑streaming Hawaiian Iveron Icon of the Mother of God arrived in Sofia on August 3, 2026, welcomed at Vasil Levski Airport by His Holiness Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria, Bishop Gerasim of Melnik, Bishop Ioan of Branitsa and other clergy. The icon, a photographic copy of the lost Montreal Icon, was brought by a delegation from the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) and will remain in Bulgaria until August 19.

The icon was placed in the ancient St. Sophia Church, where Patriarch Daniil celebrated the Divine Liturry. A long line of faithful gathered outside the church, praying before the wonder‑working image. In his homily, Patriarch Daniil urged sincere prayer and faith, noting the icon’s grace and mercy. ROCOR Bishop Irenei and Fr. Nectarios Yangson also addressed the crowd, highlighting two miracles reported that day.