April 5, 2012
Albany, NY: The Myrrh-Streaming Icon of the Mother of God "Softener of Evil Hearts" visited Nativity of the Mother of God Church

On Monday, April 2, the myrrh-streaming icon of the Mother of God "Softener of Evil Hearts" visited the Nativity of the Mother of God Church in Albany, NY.

A moleben and akathist were served upon the arrival of the icon to the church at 3:30 PM. At 6:00 PM, parish rector Archpriest Wsewolod Drobot led a moleben to the Most Holy Theotokos, co-served by parish clergy: Archpriest Michael Fritz, Priest Andrei Rudenko, and Protodeacon Michael Soloviev. Also joining the clergy in prayer were visiting priests from surrounding churches: Archpriest Peter Olsen (rector of St. Basil’s Church in Maplewood, NY), Priest Paul Panos (rector of St. George Greek Church in Schenectady, NY) Priest Peter Daratsos (cleric of St. Sophia Greek Church in Albany), and Priest Emmanuel Mantzouris (rector of St. Basil Greek Church in Troy, NY).

More than 140 parishioners and guests from surrounding churches were able to participate in the service, venerate the holy icon, and be anointed with the holy myrrh. The faithful were also blessed with the presence of the relics of the Holy Fathers slain at the Monastery of St. Sabbas, whose memory was celebrated that day. Parishioners expressed their gratitude to God and His Holy Mother for the mercy of this great visitation, especially during Great Lent.

A lenten meal was served in the church hall following the service.

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