This past weekend thousands of Orthodox clergy and parishioners from throughout Chicagoland, including Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago, came to St John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Des Plaines, Illinois, to see the Kardiotissa, “The Tender Heart” myrrh-flowing, miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary from St George Greek Orthodox Church in Taylor, Pennsylvania.

As reported by our friend Maria Fotinopoulos Karamitsos at Windy City Greek (www.windycitygreek.com) “With the blessing from His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago and His Grace Bishop Gregory of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese, the Kardiotissa icon came to Chicago, Illinois, on May 19. Area faithful had the opportunity to see and venerate this miraculous icon at St. John the Baptist Church in Des Plaines. A special Vespers and Paraklesis/Supplication Service to the Virgin Mary began at 6:00 pm. At 7:30 pm, Father Mark Leasure spoke about the miracles attributed to the icon. The evening concluded with a Compline and Akathist service at 8:30 pm, and the faithful had the opportunity to be anointed with the myrrh.”

Windy City Greek also reported “Lines stretched around the building, and faithful waited in line until about 3:30 am for the opportunity to be anointed. Many reported a sweet smell emanating from the myrrh. One person described that the myrrh seemed to drip out of the icon, and people put their hands underneath it to catch it. Facebook posts indicate it was an incredible, uplifting experience for all, and will never be forgotten.”

Thank you to St John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church for sharing these outstanding photos with us!