On the evening of Friday, March 6, 2026, the faithful of Assumption of the Holy Virgin Orthodox Church in Clifton, NJ gathered for a special prayer service before the Hawaiian Iveron Myrrh-Streaming Icon of the Theotokos.

The icon was brought to the parish by its caretaker, Fr. Nectarios, rector of Holy Theotokos of Iveron Russian Orthodox Church in Kailua, Hawaii. During the visit, an Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos was served, with Fr. Terence Baz, rector of the Clifton parish, presiding. Several clergy concelebrated the service and assisted with the anointing of the faithful.

The church was filled to capacity despite the short notice, with an estimated 300 faithful gathering for the occasion. Many present noted the strong fragrance of roses traditionally associated with the myrrh streaming from the icon, and the faithful were able to venerate the icon and be anointed with the holy myrrh.

Fr. Nectarios addressed the faithful following the Akathist, sharing the history of the icon and recounting how he was entrusted with its care by his hierarch. He also spoke about the many visits the icon has made to Orthodox communities throughout the world and encouraged the faithful to embrace suffering as a path toward sanctification through the grace of the Holy Spirit.

The evening concluded with the veneration of the icon by the gathered faithful, many of whom expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to receive this spiritual consolation and blessing.

Click here to read Fr Terence's reflection.