Sofia, August 7, 2026
Photo: bg-patriarshia.bg
Patients at Sofia’s N. I. Pirogov University Hospital received a blessing this week from the myrrh-streaming Hawaiian Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, which was brought through the hospital’s clinics and wards on August 3.
The icon was carried by clergy led by His Holiness Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria, along with members of the ROCOR delegation accompanying the icon on its visit to the country: His Grace Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe, Fr. Nectarios Yangson, the icon’s guardian, Archpriest Spasimir Ivanov, and Fr. Ilia Marzev, reports the Bulgarian Church.
Pat. Daniil and the accompanying clergy were greeted by Dr. Valentin Dimitrov, director of the hospital, along with doctors and administrative staff. The clergy anointed the patients, who also received cotton wool blessed with myrrh from the icon.
The icon, a small photographic copy of the lost Montreal Icon of the Mother of God, arrived in Bulgaria for the first time on August 3 and will remain in the country until August 19. Hundreds of the faithful turned out to greet the icon upon its arrival. The icon is expected to travel on to the dioceses of Nevrokop, Vidin, Vratsa, Lovech, Varna and Preslav, Veliko Tarnovo, and Sliven, as well as Rila Monastery, before its visit concludes.
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