Traveling Icon Brings Gifts to Grand Rapids

The Eparchial Jubilee Icon of the Protection of the Mother of God recently visited St. Michael’s Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Father Michael Bliszcz, pastor of St. Michael’s, along with parishioner Ms. Linda Tymensky, drove to Warren, Michigan, to transport the icon to the church. Upon its arrival, three parishioners, Mrs. Maria Bereza, Mrs. Anna Holynsky and Mrs. Anna Marczuc--the latter two founding members of the church--took it out of its traveling container and surrounded the image with a rainbow of flowers. “It’s beautiful!” exclaimed one as she first saw the jeweled icon which ignited many flames of faith during its all-too-short stay.

Liturgical services began with Matins celebrated by Father John Leonard, a Melkite priest, while Father Michael Bliszcz heard confessions. After Divine Liturgy, both priests and the congregation recited the prayer of the 50th Jubilee of Saint Nicholas Eparchy.

During its brief visit to St. Michael’s, the Icon touched hearts in an amazing number of ways. Some parishioners were moved to reflect on their origins as American Ukrainian Catholics, while others were inspired to greater Christian service. 

When Father Michael Bliszcz informed those gathered that the icon would go from parish to parish to be venerated in every church in the Eparchy, those present were reminded that we receive the Initiation Sacraments of Baptism, Chrismation, and Holy Eucharist and become part of a community greater than ourselves--of many parishes, many eparchies. In every Divine Liturgy, we pray not only for the physical and spiritual needs of our parish but for all individuals throughout the eparchy--and the world.

The icon will bring many blessings to our Eparchy as it travels throughout our parishes. It transcends any sense of being isolated or that we are small communities, but are interwoven into a great mosaic of spiritual tapestries.This icon and its journey speak to this great truth.

While our congregation venerated the icon, some recalled how they (or their parents or grandparents) came to America--how hard it was to get work.One parishioner wondered if there were ways to put more those with jobs in touch with the unemployed. Another, after venerating the icon, questioned whether one might be inspired to design a web page. Someone else was inspired to suggest that Skype or e-mail be used to start an inter-parish prayer group. The sick and homebound were also brought to mind and, perhaps, visited with a little more frequency after the icon’s visit.

We should thank and pray for our Bishop and all who dedicate their time and energy to make it possible that we experience this unique pilgrimage.

In Eastern Churches, many icons are believed to be miraculous. Individuals usually travel many miles to venerate them and pray that petitions will be heard. But in this unique pilgrimage, the icon is doing the traveling. Let us pray the Icon of the Patronage of the Mother will inspire all who she visits to greater faith and action it in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.