Church Regains ‘Weeping’ Icon

A “weeping” icon that was stolen at gunpoint from a Greek Orthodox church was returned by mail Saturday without its gold frame and most of its gems.

After police checked it for clues, the painting, which is believed to have healing powers, was ceremoniously restored to its place near the main altar at St. Irene Chrysovalantou Church. Scores of worshipers lined up to touch and kiss the plate glass protecting it.

Some believers claimed the 72-year-old portrait of St. Irene, then on temporary loan to a church in Chicago, wept “tears of grief” at the start of the Persian Gulf War.

A mail carrier delivered a package containing the icon to Bishop Vikentios, spiritual leader of the church located in Queens.

Police said a few jewels forming the icon’s crown were still attached and others were loose in the package, but most of the gems that studded the frame were missing. With its gold and gems intact, the icon had been valued at about $800,000.