Sofia welcomed the Virgin Mary of "Hawaii" (VIDEO & PHOTOS)translated

With tears in their eyes and sincere prayer, hundreds of Christians welcomed on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Sofia, the miraculous fragrant icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Hawaii", which arrived in Bulgaria and will remain in the country until August 19. In the ancient church of the capital "Agia Sophia", a solemn Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the Patriarch of Bulgaria, Mr. Daniel, who collaborated with the Bishops of London and Western Europe, Mr. Irenaeus, of the Russian Orthodox Church, Mr. Melenikos, Mr. Gerasimos – Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod, Mr. Ioannis Branistis and Mr. Isaac of Velbazitza.

A long line of believers formed in front of and around the church, wanting to see the miraculous image which is a faithful copy of the holy icon of Panagia Portaitissa from the Iberon Monastery.

In his speech to the cleric who brought the icon, the Patriarch Mr. Daniel expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad for blessing the holy icon to be hosted in Bulgaria in August and tour different parts of the country.

"For eighteen years, the Virgin Mother of God poured out the...