On Saturday, September 13, the feast of the Deposition of the Cincture (Belt) of the Most Holy Theotokos, the myrrh-streaming Hawaiian Iveron Icon of the Mother of God visited Nativity of the Mother of God Church at the New Kursk Root Hermitage in Mahopac, NY.

Officiated the divine service in the presence of the icon was His Grace, Bishop Jerome, co-served by the rector, Archpriest George Temidis, Priest Gregory Patsis (rector of St. Luke the Evangelist Mission in Highland, NY), Priest Nectarios Yangson (guardian of the icon), Protodeacons Serguei Mikhailov (cleric of Holy Virgin Intercession Church in Glen Cove, NY) and Alexey Pnev (cleric of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY), and parish Deacons Konstantin Aleshin and Theodotus Conrad.

Most of the parishioners, guests, and pilgrims communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries at Divine Liturgy.

A moleben was served, and the clergy and people went in procession around the church, singing solemnly.

Upon conclusion of the service, the people reverently venerated the myrrh-streaming icon and lingered as they left the church, offering prayers to the Queen of Heaven, reluctant to part with her. A bouquet of white roses and a sprig of lilac, which had bloomed in time for the feast, stood in church.

All remained for a luncheon prepared by the sisterhood. The bright sun, blue skies, and warm, summeresque weather made the wonderful day especially beautiful.