On March 8 – the second Sunday of Great Lent, dedicated to the Holy Hierarch Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica – Priest Nectarios Yangson, rector of the Church of the Montreal-Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, visited Our Lady "Unexpected Joy" Church in Staten Island, NY, accompanied by the myrrh-streaming Hawaiian-Iveron Icon. The icon is currently visiting churches along the East Coast.

The holy image was welcomed by parish rector Archpriest Vasily Zelenyuk, along with numerous parishioners and faithful from churches throughout Brooklyn and New York City.

Fr. Vasily served a moleben and akathist before the Hawaiian Icon.

The church was filled with worshippers – approximately 150 people – including not only Russian Orthodox faithful. but also Orthodox Americans and Mexican Catholics.

During its visit to the church, the holy image streamed myrrh abundantly. Upon completion of the akathist, the myrrh-streaming icon was opened and the faithful were able to see the cotton soaked with myrrh – something they had never witnessed before.

Parishioners and guests of the church continued praying until 11:00 PM, departing for their homes with spiritual joy and consolation.