The Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Centre in New York officially reopened to the public on Tuesday.
The church was destroyed when the South Tower collapsed on September 11, 2001 during terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre. Two decades later, a brand new church has been rebuilt.
Parishioners attended mass inside the new church on the same day the Greek Orthodox world celebrates the feast day of Saint Nicholas.
Among those present were His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, formerly of America, Friends of St. Nicholas Chairman Michael Psaros, National Philoptochos Society President Arlene Siavelis Kehl, Parish Council members, Anthoula Katsimatides and her mother Calliope Katsimatides, along with many community members who have waited so long to see the church finally open and offering services.
Designed by celebrated Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the church sits in Liberty Park overlooking the Memorial pools and the 9/11 Museum.
St Nicholas has been opened for several special occasions over the past few months.
The shrine will now be open to the public for tours daily and will be a fully functioning parish of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Source: CBS New York.
