Credit: ABC7 Chicago

The congregation of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church has been praying for a miracle to keep their church from closing, and now they believe they’re one step closer to that miracle.

Worshipers believe that a portrait of the Virgin Mary with tears streaming down her face is the sign they’ve been looking for to give them hope that the church will remain open.

It’s been a tough time for members of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, which is located in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois. The congregation has been trying to keep it open for more than a year now. This painting has generated considerable word of mouth, attracting hundreds to the church to get a closer look.

The painting depicts the Virgin Mary with what appears to be some kind of oil or liquid streaming down her face. The caretaker at the church said she spotted this Sunday while she was getting ready for the church’s final services, and told the father at the church, “Our icon is weeping. We cannot leave this sacred space.”

The 100-year-old church is facing foreclosure and is about $8 million in debt. Some hope the painting is a sign of some sort that something is coming to save the church. But still, it is set to close on Thursday.

A bankruptcy hearing is set for later today.