The Myrrh-Streaming Icon of the Theotokos is one of the most sacred paintings of the Orthodox Church. For one day, the icon was brought to St. Dimitrie Romanian Orthodox Church. For many of the faith’s practitioners, its arrival was a truly spiritual moment.
Since June 2008, the Icon has been brought to over 1,000 churches in North America. It has been revered by millions of people throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and the world. The icon depicts the image of the Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus. The word “Theotokos” means “Mother of God,” and she is the most painted woman in Christian art. The icon has been known to stream myrrh, a sweet-smelling oil, which has been used to anoint believers.
Because it is believed to have healing abilities, requests have now been made for the icon to be brought to Russia, Ukraine, Greece, Cyprus, South America, Europe, the Holy Land, Romania, Mount Athos and Serbia.
Upon arrival, the Rev. Father George Coca, met the entourage outside the church and carried the icon to a position in front of the altar. The service began as the faithful filled the aisles. At one point, the congregation silently moved into lines on both sides of the icon to be anointed before having their chance to approach and touch the icon.
For many, it was a very moving and powerful moment. Afterward, everyone was given a piece of holy bread before leaving the church.
Parishioners light candles before the ceremony. 
Parishioners light candles before the ceremony. 
Parishioners kiss the icon of Jesus before taking a seat. 
The Myrrh-Streaming Icon of the Theotokos brought into the church by Father Coca. 
The Myrrh-Streaming Icon of the Theotokos brought into the church by Father Coca. 
The Myrrh-Streaming Icon of the Theotokos brought into the church by Father George. 
The service begins in front of the icon. 
The Myrrh-Streaming Icon of the Theotokos 
The service begins. 
The service begins. 
The service begins in front of the icon. 
The service begins in front of the icon. 
Parishioners pray during the service. 
The service begins in front of the icon. 
A parishioner prays during the service. 
Children in the aisle during the ceremony. 
Parishioners are anointed with myrrh oil before approaching the icon. 
Parishioners in front of the icon. Each has their own personal communication with icon. 
Parishioners are anointed with myrrh oil before approaching the icon. 
Parishioners are anointed with myrrh oil before approaching the icon. 
Parishioners are anointed with myrrh oil before approaching the icon. 
Parishioners are anointed with myrrh oil before approaching the icon. 
Parishioners are anointed with myrrh oil before approaching the icon. 
Parishioners are anointed with myrrh oil before approaching the icon. 
A mother comforts her child during the service. 
Parishioners in front of the icon. Each has their own personal communication with icon. 
Parishioners are anointed with myrrh oil before approaching the icon. 
Parishioners are anointed with myrrh oil before approaching the icon. They are also given cards with the icon. 
A parishioner prays during the service. 
Parishioners in front of the icon. Each has their own personal communication with icon. 
Parishioners are anointed with myrrh oil before approaching the icon. 
A parishioner prays during the service. 
Parishioners in front of the icon. Each has their own personal communication with icon. 
Parishioners in front of the icon. Each has their own personal communication with icon. 
The icon is placed in front of a child who cannot stand. 
Parishioners in front of the icon. Each has their own personal communication with icon. 
Parishioners in front of the icon. Each has their own personal communication with icon. 
Parishioners in front of the icon. Each has their own personal communication with icon. 
The icon case is open revealing the myrrh oil collected at the bottom. A special service is given to one parishioner. 
The icon case is open revealing the myrrh oil collected at the bottom. A special service is given to one parishioner. 
The icon case is open revealing the myrrh oil collected at the bottom. A special service is given to one parishioner. 
The icon case is open revealing the myrrh oil collected at the bottom. A special service is given to one parishioner. 
Parishioners in front of the icon. Each has their own personal communication with icon. 
Parishioners in front of the icon. Each has their own personal communication with icon. 
Parishioners in front of the icon. Each has their own personal communication with icon. 
Father Coca talks to the crowd during the service. 
Father Coca talks to the crowd during the service. 
Father George talks to the crowd during the service. 
Father talks to the crowd during the service. 
Father talks to the crowd during the service. 
Holy bread 
Blessing of Holy bread. 
Blessing of Holy bread. 
Holy bread brought to the entrance of the church to be given to parishioners as they leave. 
Holy bread 
Holy bread given to parishioners as they leave.
