While praying before the paper icon of the Holy Mother St. Mary, she literally froze as she witnessed a watery tear welling up in the eye of the printed lithograph. Mrs. Catsounis immediately called Father George Papadeas, parish priest of St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church in Hempstead, Long Island, New York.
Faithful of all denominations made the pilgrimage to St. Paul's Church, which became a Cathedral, for a chance to see and venerate the Icon.
Over 30 years later, the Long Island Newspaper Newsday, proclaimed the weeping Madonna at St. Paul's, as one of the most memorable events of the past 50 years.
About the Author
In 1942, Fr. George Papadeas was the first American-born priest of the newly formed Greek Orthodox Church in America.
He served in the Archdiocesan Cathedral in New York City and organized the first Greek Orthodox Parish in Long Island.
Read about Father Papadeas online at http://fathergeorgelpapadeas.com/
Father Papadeas would go on to organize more parishes in America, as well as in Greece, continually serving until his passing at 93 years old.
He has compiled and translated three prayer books that are in use in the majority of Greek Orthodox churches in America, England, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Holy Week Easter book in Greek and English.
The Akathist Hymn book also in Greek and English.
The Divine Liturgy in Greek and English.
The Epiphany Service booklet for New Year's Celebrations.