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On March 9, hundreds of Orthodox faithful from area churches gathered at St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Silver Spring, MD, to venerate the myrrh-streaming Kardiotissa Icon from Taylor, PA. This was a Lenten retreat for which planning had begun over a year earlier. Visitors were already taking their seats an hour in advance, in anticipation of seeing the miraculous icon. For the next sixteen hours, Church services would continue, comprised of the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, a Supplication Service to Bohorodytsia, and an All-Night Vigil. Local clergy from Ukrainian, Greek, Romanian and Serbian Orthodox parishes, in ecumenical unity, were part of all services conducted. The Cathedral choir was also joined by choir members from local Orthodox parishes.
