Today, the holy and miraculous Icon of Iveron from Hawaii departed the monastery after a most blessed stay of almost one week, during which all felt and witnessed the great mercy and love of the Most Holy Theotokos towards us sinners.

On Tuesday evening, a moleben and Akathist in English were sung before the icon in the cemetery chapel of the Dormition of the Mother of God.  On Wednesday evening, in the cathedral, a moleben with Akathist was chanted  at the end of the Small Compline service.  There were many people present at both services.  All were anointed with myrrh from the icon and given a small icon print as a blessing in memory of the visit of the icon.

Thursday, early in the morning, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, along with His Grace Bishop Luke and the monastery clergy together with visiting clergy, concelebrated the Divine Liturgy on the day of the memory of Schemamonk Hilarion fo the Kiev Caves, the heavenly protector of our dearly beloved, deceased Metropolitan Hilarion, his first Name’s Day after his repose. 

Vladyka Nicholas offered a commemorative meal in memory of Metropolitan Hilarion, after which a pannikhida was served at the grave of Vladyka Hilarion, served by the two bishops and many clergy, with the brethren, seminarians, and pilgrims in attendance.

After this, with the ringing of the cathedral bells, our new metropolitan and First Hierarch, departed for New York with the Hawaiian Icon, leaving an indelible print in our hearts and souls of God’s great mercy towards us sinners.