Signs from Heaven...
Some of you may have already heard about this but I wanted to post about it for those of you who haven't. Recently at St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church in Hempstead, NY 3 icons have begun to weep; 2 of the Panagia and one of St. Nicholas. There is also an icon of St. George at St. George's Church in Massillon, OH that has recently started to myrrh.
What really amazes me are the so-called scientists and professionals who run out to test these icons to see if they're rigged or if it's condensation, etc. For centuries this has been occurring but the scientific world never accredits this phenomenon to simply being what it is. A miracle from God! Their conclusion is always the same; it's just something science can't explain yet. The rose-like fragrance that emits from the tears fills the entire church and these people are still checking behind the pews for hidden rosebushes.
All I can say is Glory to God! No one except the Lord Himself knows why the icons weep. Many times throughout Church History multiple icons began to weep when something terrible was happening within the Church, however most of the time the reason remains a mystery to us.
I have to say that personally I wonder if the Patriarch's recent visit to the Vatican to "celebrate" the feastday of Sts. Peter & Paul could possibly be the reason. I know this is a touchy subject, but I'm sorry I am totally against the current Ecumenical movement within our Church. It's a flat out heresy. I just cannot understand why some people are so insistent on unity with a man (the pope) who just recently announced to the world that "Orthodoxy is a defective branch of Christianity." These same ecumenists also really believe that nothing within our faith will change. In the meantime the Patriarch and the Pope are hoping to change the date of Pascha so we can celebrate a "common Easter". Oh PLEASE don't get me started on this....
If you're interested in learning more about the Ecumenical Movement check out these sites. Orthodox Info and The Orthodox Heritage site. If you don't receive The Orthodox Heritage newsletter you MUST sign up for it, it's the most accurate Orthodox newsletter I've read in a LONG time. It's free, though it's run by volunteers so donations are appreciated I'm sure.
If any of you live near those areas I would definitely plan a trip to venerate and be blessed by these miraculous icons. I'll never forget one of the summers I spent at Camp Nazareth in PA when one of the icons there began to weep. The entire campground smelled like roses. It left such an impression on me that to this day I can cry every time I think about it. What a blessing it is that we are able to witness a miracle! Take your children to see this!
Speaking of miracles, this is also the perfect time to read Heather Zydek's book Basil's Search for Miracles with your child if you haven't already. I just recently shipped a copy donated by Heather to one of PB & J Kids' essay contest winners! (The winning essays will be posted shortly) Ace is too young to read this alone but he loved listening to me read it. The story will assist them, and yourself as well, in understanding these miracles a little better. It will also spark their curiosity and they may end up dragging you to see these icons! If any of you do get the blessing of venerating them please tell us about it!
