St. John's Church presents Iveron Icon from Hawaii
MAYFIELD - For the faithful, the icon is a sign from God - a light guiding them to salvation.
In uncertain times, it provides them with moments of clarity, a glimmer of hope, or an answer to a decades-long question. And on Sunday, most who packed into St. John's Russian Orthodox Cathedral got their first close-up look at the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God from Hawaii - an icon many in the Orthodox faith believe possesses healing powers to those who pray to it.
"We believe in it because the mother of God helps us get through life's trials and tribulations," Jean Fedak, 74, of Archbald, said. "By praying to the icon, we are connecting with the mother of God."
Following about 40 minutes of prayers and hymns during a Moleben service, dozens of people waited in line to venerate the icon, which they say seeps myrrh - a heavily scented oil-like liquid.
Then, after they prayed or kissed the icon, the Very Rev. Mitred Archpriest John Sorochka anointed them with the icon's myrrh.
Some left crying, saying they had no words to describe the experience.
Others, such as George Young, 78, of Archbald, came away feeling a certain peace.
Diagnosed with lung cancer in January, Mr. Young said he has seen very little improvement in his condition in the last 10 months. He said he heard about the special service and saw it as an opportunity to be healed.
"I already feel great," said Mr. Young, after the Very Rev. Sorochka anointed him with the icon's myrrh. "It's like I have this calmness that has come over me."
Facing the crowd, reader Nectarious, the icon's guardian, described what he believes is the icon's message. His last name wasn't revealed due to safety concerns.
"Look at how the mother of God points to Christ," Nectarious said. "She is showing us the way to salvation. This can be achieved in the body and blood of Christ - which is our greatest miracle."
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