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

greek film festival melbourne

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Kivotos: A new Greek dining experience at the Hellenic Club of Canberra

Greek restaurant Kivotos has opened a second venue at the Hellenic Club in Woden, bringing its modern interpretation of Mediterranean dining.

Tom Koutsantonis MP appointed SA Treasurer in Cabinet reshuffle

Senior Labor figure Tom Koutsantonis has been appointed SA’s new Treasurer in a cabinet reshuffle triggered by shock resignations.

Greek Australian developers cement dominance in Adelaide’s CBD office market

Developers Theo Samaras’ Kyren Group, the Andrianakos Property Group and the Kambitsis Group are among the biggest owners shaping the CBD.

Iris Pavlidis’ rage on canvas: Awakening society to women’s suffering

The third time Iris Pavlidis was assaulted, she froze. This time it was by a friend of years after she dozed off while they watched a movie.

An evening of compassion: Jenny Souris Foundation Gala returns this October

The Jenny Souris Foundation is preparing to host its annual Gala on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, at Le Montage in Lilyfield, Sydney.

You May Also Like

Turkey moves ahead with threats to send refugees to Greece

Hundreds of refugees and migrants in Turkey have begun heading for the country’s land and sea borders with Greece, buoyed by Turkish officials’ statements indicating they will not be hindered from crossing the frontier to head into Europe.

Archbishop Makarios praises Panagia Kamariani parish for ‘uniting in truth’

On Sunday, August 10, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia visited the Parish of Panagia Kamariani in Red Hill, Melbourne.

Greek Returned Service League of NSW hosts cutting of the vasilopita event

Greek Returned Servicemen League of NSW hosted a cutting of the vasilopita event on Sunday, January 21 in Sydney.