Orthodox patriarch blesses shrine near 9/11 memorial

·

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople gave his formal blessing Tuesday to an ornate shrine that will replace a small parish church destroyed during September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City. 

Bartholomew of Constantinople presided at a ceremonial door opening at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine near the World Trade Center.

“It’s been so many years, 20 years, and St. Nicholas means a lot to us and to all of the world,” worshipper Effie Doscas said.

“It’s an incredible resurrection, as the patriarch said,” worshipper George Yancopoulos said. “And St. Nicholas means victory of the people over death.”

The attacks on 9/11 and the ensuing collapse of the twin towers buried the church in a mountain of steel and concrete. It was the only house of worship destroyed on that dark and dreadful day, and what followed was a two-decade mission to recover and rebuild a home — not just for Greek Orthodox Christians — but for everyone.

“I’m just so grateful for all the people who made this happen,” worshipper Susie Spanos said. “A lot of work. A lot of work went into this.”

Source: Washington Post

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

Whole of Italy under lockdown as country records over 9,000 confirmed infections

The COVID-19 virus has already led to 463 deaths in Italy, an increase of almost 100 in a 24-hour period, and more than 9,000 confirmed infections.

Murder charge for Kerry Kourpanidis could be downgraded

Kerry Kourpanidis will soon learn whether prosecutors will push on with a murder charge over the bashing death of Warren Hordpenko.

Blue Star baby: Ferry captain helps deliver baby mid-transit

Baby's always seem to want 'break free' at the worst times and, for this lady, it happened to be only two hours after their ferry had set sail for Piraeus.