Transformed Icon Draws Pilgrims To Greek Orthodox Church In Homer Glen

(CBS) -- Worshippers are flocking to a church in the southwest suburbs, where a religious icon is secreting fragrant oil.

The scented oil is emitting from an icon of St. John the Baptist at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Homer Glen.

John Ackerman of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago says the church won't weigh in on whether it's a miracle. But he does say the weeping icon is part of a fairly large icon screen, but the other sections are normal.

The oil was discovered by an altar server last July.

Church officials are absorbing the oil with and distributing it to parishioners. Since summer, more than 5,000 have visited.

Father Sam Dimitriou says after receiving the oil, some with physical or emotional ailments tell him "they've been healed, to a degree."

Kary Beran, who has anxiety and depression, says she has been comforted.

Some of the church's visitors come from as far away as Greece to see the icon.