About the “Hawaiian” Myrrh Streaming Iveron Icon of Christ and the Mother of God
In June of 2008, the “Hawaiian” Myrrh-streaming Iveron Icon was officially recognized by the Russian Orthodox Church as miraculous and worthy of veneration, and was given the blessing to travel to the various churches and monasteries of Holy Orthodoxy. The original “owner” of the Icon, Subdeacon Nectarios, was charged by the Russian Orthodox Church to be Her guardian, and provide for the safety and care of this Wonderworking Icon of Christ’s Holy Church.
By the Grace of God, the Holy Cross has slowly ceased to continuously stream Myrrh as it once did, now doing so on certain occasions throughout the year, Pascha being the most recent. What is comforting to the faithful is the Holy Cross still continuously provides a beautiful and pungent fragrance, whether it streams or not. While the "Hawaiian" Iveron Icon of the Mother of God travels and brings the grace of God to various places, the Holy Cross always remains in Hawaii to provide for the protection and veneration of the faithful.
Since June of 2008, the Iveron Icon has been to over 1000 churches in North America of all (canonical) jurisdictions, and has been venerated by millions of people throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and the world. In many cities, the holy Icon is taken from one parish to another, being venerated by all the Orthodox clergy, and helping to establish and heal relationships amongst the Orthodox faithful, and also strengthening and fostering ties between the sister parishes. Requests have now been made for the Wonderworking Icon to be brought to Russia, the Ukraine, Greece, Cyprus, South America, Europe, the Holy Land, Romania, Mount Athos, and Serbia. When the Holy Icon was taken to the Republic of Georgia in 2014 at the request of the Catholicos-Patriarch ILIA II of Georgia, over a million faithful came to venerate the "Panagia of Hawaii." A number of miracles, including the healing of cancer, were reported to the Georgian Patriarchate.
Numerous miracles have been attributed to the Theotokos through this “humble little Icon”, accounts are only just being collected, and are indeed numerous. Physical and spiritual healings have included the healing of blindness and eye disease, cancer, demonic possession, paralysis, kidney disease, chronic pain, and debilitating viruses.
Yet, wherever the holy Icon goes, the Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Holy Mother abound. People have commented that just being in the presence of this Icon, you feel such an abundance of love and joy. It is truly indescribable. We are so very blessed that God has shown His love toward us by allowing us a small forebearance of what the saints call, "the true odour of sanctity." The true meaning of the Icon's appearance is known only to God, time will reveal all things. Yet, what we do know is this, God loves us. And that is all that matters...
Nativity Fast Resources & Service Schedule
Tommy Apostolos Fund Shopping Spree
Toys for the Troop Kids
Toys for the Troops’ Kids, a non-profit charitable organization, provides Christmas toys to the children of American military members by public donations of toys and monetary contributions. It may also undertake projects in addition to its annual toy drive for the benefit of America’s military and their families.
This year, St. Anna’s middle-school, high-school, and college students are excited to support this organization by volunteering at the Citrus Town Center donation site December 16,, from 10am – 6pm and December17, from 2pm – 6pm.
If you would like to donate a new, unwrapped toy, please visit us at the Citrus Town Center located on the northeast corner of Greenback Lane and Sunrise Blvd between Sprouts and Panera Bread (across from the Sunrise Mall).
For your convenience, Goya will also have a collection box located in the Narthex after liturgy November 26, December 3, and December 10. Please look for the Toys for the Troops Kids poster attached to the collection box.
If you would like to volunteer your time at the Citrus Town Center Collection site, many slots are still available. Please visit: http://signup.com/go/eRVrxUQ
Fall General Assembly (Proposed Agenda, Budget & Youth Religious Education Report)
2017 Parish Retreat
Our annual Parish Retreat at St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center is scheduled for October 27-29. For more information and or to register for the retreat, please visit: https://stannaministry.typeform.com/to/BvVg1n Contact Ms. Michelle Hawe, (michelle.hawe@saintanna.org with further questions.
Blessings...
+fr. christopher
Congregational Dinner
10th Anniversary Video Commemorating the Reception of the Holy Relics of Ss. Joachim and Anna
Feasts of Ss. Joachim and Anna (10th Anniversary of the Reception of their Holy Relics)
As we anticipate the Feasts of Ss. Joachim and Anna on September 9th, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the reception of their Holy Relics, and the 12th anniversary of the reception of the Holy Relic of St. Anna, I invite you to thank God for His abundant goodness that has brought us to this point as a Parish. It’s been humbling, reflecting upon these giftings and the subsequent blessings and miracles that have been wrought through their holy intercessions. And, I will admit, it’s humbling and awesome to think of the blessings that have yet to be realized as we build up the Body of Christ –welcoming others into the Orthodox Christian Church – and construct a sanctuary to the glory of God, through the prayers of Ss. Joachim and Anna.
In addition to praying Divine Services through Sunday, I again invite you on behalf of the clergy, the Parish Council and the Philoptochos to join us as we commemorate these blessings on Saturday evening following Great Vespers. I also encourage you to visit our website and to learn about the spiritual treasurers we have in our midst, https://www.saintanna.org/the-holy-relics-of-saints-joachim-and-anna/ Through their holy prayers, may our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to bless each of us, granting us every good gift unto salvation.
Our liturgical schedule is as follows:
6 Sept Akathist to Ss. Joachim and Anna, 6pm
7 Sept Orthros and Liturgy, 6PM (Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos)
8 Sept Supplication to Ss. Joachim and Anna, 6PM
9 Sept Orthros and Liturgy, 9AM (Feast of Ss. Joachim and Anna)
Great Vespers, 5PM
Parish Dinner Commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the Reception
of the Holy Relics of Ss. Joachim and Anna
10 Sept Orthros and Liturgy
Luncheon in memory of Rev Fr. Demetrius Dogias and in support of our
Parish Seminarians
