Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church crying Virgin Mary moved despite parishioners' wishes

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Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church crying Virgin Mary moved despite parishioners' wishes
Church leaders have removed the allegedly weeping Virgin Mary icon from Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church against the wishes of its parishioners.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- 091619-wls-crying-icon-moved-post

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church crying Virgin Mary moved

Church leaders have removed the allegedly weeping Virgin Mary icon from Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church against the wishes of its parishioners.

CHICAGO

Church leaders have removed the allegedly weeping Virgin Mary icon from Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church against the wishes of its parishioners.

RELATED: Holy Trinity worshippers flock to mysterious crying Virgin Mary icon, hope miracle saves church from sale

Facing closure, the northwest side church rallied around the portrait. Now there's a blank spot on the wall near the center of the altar. It stands out in the otherwise ornate, 122-year-old church.

The image has drawn crowds after word spread of the glistening streaks coming from her eyes. It appeared to many faithful that she was crying. Those who came to see the icon Monday were too late.

RELATED: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church sold for $2.5M amid weeping Virgin Mary icon

Some members have taken the icon's weeping as a sign, a miracle, hoping it could save the church from being sold in bankruptcy. But a judge approved the sale last week.

The priest at the church delivered the icon to the cathedral, where they said they will observe and pray to try to determine the origin and meaning of what the faithful believe are tears.

RELATED: Holy Trinity worshippers guard weeping Virgin Mary icon as leaders seek to authenticate 'miracle'