[Clifton, NJ] - On Sunday afternoon, October 19, 2025, nearly one hundred faithful gathered at Holy Assumption Church in Clifton, NJ, for an Akathist Service to the Theotokos, followed by anointing with myrrh from the Myrrh-Streaming Iveron Icon of the Theotokos in Hawaii. The icon, which continues to stream fragrant myrrh, was visited earlier this year by Archpriest Terence, who shared the blessing with his parishioners.

During the service, Father Terence reminded the faithful that when we pray with humility and repentance, trusting that the presence of God touches us through the Theotokos, our heavenly Father hears our prayers. The faithful also had the opportunity to be anointed with myrrh from the Icon of St. Anna, a gift from a monk of St. Tikhon’s Monastery. Both myrrhs are rose-scented, and the congregation was deeply moved by this tangible experience of grace.

Father Terence expressed his gratitude to His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, for his blessing to hold and publicize the service; to Father Alex Nelson, who assisted with the service and anointing; to Subdeacon Christopher Chasse and Andrew Guertin for distributing Iveron Icon cards; to Reader Luis Comacho and the choir for their beautiful singing; and to Reader Christopher Minarich for compiling the service booklet.

Photos were taken by Vera Focarino, with more to be shared soon on the parish’s Facebook page and our website.