On Sunday evening, May 27th, the faithful of Holy Apostles Orthodox Church and representatives of at least 8 other parishes in the area, were witness to a miraculous night.  The myrrhstreaming Hawaii Iveron Icon of the Mother of God came to us for an evening visit.  While in the area for the 108th St Tikhon's Monastery pilgrimage, the icon and its caretaker, Reader Nectarios, traveled to our little mission parish.  After a small delay in arriving, the icon was met at the doors by Fr James and the altar servers.  It then processed into church.  Then the  Akathist to the Iveron Icon was sung.  Over 45 people prayed as the Icon adorned the middle of the church.  
       The icon had a distinct aroma of myrrh from the moment it arrived, which lasted until it left.  Indeed, the scent still lingers in the church.  The condensation on the holy oil on the glass case was noted by many.  This same oil was used to anoint all those who were present.  After this, those present were drawn back to the icon, where it was venerated over and over again.  Eventually, Reader Nectarios opened the case and showed the onlookers the icon itself (without all of its adornments). 
       One of the Orthodox faithful in attendance had this to say about her experience: “Before Fr. James started anointing people, Reader Nectarios pulled about what amounted to 3 or 4 size cotton balls from beneath the Icon and placed them in the myrrh and then gave them to Fr. James for the anointing.   This was what Fr. James would use to anoint the people in attendance… I was in the back of the church, so when I got to the front to be anointed I noticed that Fr. James' hands were puddled with the Holy Oil, which he said just kept reproducing during the blessing.   UNBELIEVABLE!!! …I was truly in awe of this experience!!    I took much time before the Icon to offer up prayers for everyone on my prayer list that the Holy Theotokos will intercede on their behalf to her Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to bless each one with healing and comfort.”
       This was truly a special evening in the life of our parish.  The icon has been venerated by 8,000 people in some cases, and by a few dozen at small mission parishes, such as ours.  In every case, she brings with her the message of love and unity that is brought about through faithfulness to our Lord, Jesus Christ, through the intercessions of His Mother.  Her pull is so powerful that people remained in her presence for several hours, asking questions and praying for all of those things that remain in their hearts.