Beloved in the Lord,
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
John 1:5
September 11, 2001 was a day that changed our world. The enormity of this tragedy which befell our country 20 years ago, will forever be remembered. We continue to pray for the lives of all those lost in these vicious attacks on our country, and the brave first responders who perished trying to save others.
And though this was the darkest day in the history of our nation, we must look to the light that shines from within the walls of the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center which now stands as a beacon of our Orthodox Christian faith. This is more than just a church – it is a place of healing, a place of unity, and a place that demonstrates that good does conquer evil, and that a place of tragedy can be transformed into a place of hope.
Beseeching the Lord’s blessings upon all who labor to bring Saint Nicholas Church and Shrine to its full completion so that the doors may welcome those who seek the Lord’s grace, peace and mercy, I remain,
With Love in Christ,
+ G E R A S I M O S
Metropolitan of San Francisco
Pray
On Sunday, September 12, all parishes in the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco are asked to offer a Memorial Service to pray for all those who lost their lives on 9/11, that the Lord will grant eternal rest to their souls, and for the peace and comfort of their loved ones.
Watch
The Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine will join the nation and the world to officially commence observances of the Twentieth Anniversary of 9/11.
On September 10, at 7:40 p.m. ET/4:40 PDT, Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine will be illuminated from within for the very first time.
Join us at www.stnicholaswtc.org as we behold light overcoming darkness, and honor the lives lost and remember the sacrifice of the heroes of 9/11.
WATCH LIVE: SEPT 10 7:40 P.M. EST
Learn More
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church was the only house of worship destroyed on September 11, 2001. But it would be rebuilt as more than the humble Greek Orthodox Church of lower Manhattan; it is being rebuilt as a National Shrine and a place of pilgrimage for our world. And in accordance with the word of the Lord, it will be a House of Prayer for all people (Mark 11:17).
The original Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church was founded in 1916 in a small row house that had been used as a tavern. Greek immigrants of lower Manhattan purchased it in 1892 as a community home. For many Greeks coming to America, it would have been among their first stops after seeing the Statue of Liberty and their disposition from Ellis Island.
Everything changed on 9/11. Saint Nicholas was completely destroyed in the collapse of World Trade Center Tower 2 during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Thankfully, no one was in the Church when it was destroyed. In the immediate days that followed September 11, when rescue and recovery efforts were at their most intense, a few scant objects were recovered from the site and the surrounding area. But the faith of this small community remains unwavering.
Now, the future of Saint Nicholas is brighter than ever! Visit www.stnicholaswtc.org to learn more today!
Support
Join us in rebuilding the only House of Worship destroyed on 9/11.
Your donation will be recorded in the rebuilt Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine in perpetuity.