Saturday Marks St. Nicholas WTC National Shrine Ground Blessing

The commemoration will include a doxology and blessing of the site, followed by a press conference. The new Greek Orthodox Church was designed by internationally acclaimed architect Santiago Calatrava and is a Byzantine styled structure with a modern twist. The new property features a dome and compliments neighboring glass and steel designs. The National Shrine's upper level holds a non-denominational bereavement space that is open to everyone.

The original Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church was created in 1916. The tiny Church was the only house of worship desecrated during September 11th, 2001 when the World Trade Center's South Tower fell. The contemporary Church is located at 130 Liberty Street that overlooks the 9/11 memorial and is close to the original location. To see a video of the new Church, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNAk9NGUu2E or view it by scrolling to the very bottom of this article.

Archbishop Demetrios of America will address the monumental Ground Blessing Ceremony, while the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America will also participate. New York City, New York State and New Jersey officials are predicted to attend, along with victims' relatives, Greek Orthodox representative and followers, and interfaith and chaplain delegates.

Archbishop Demetrios stated, "Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox National Shrine, although destroyed in the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001 is now, with the grace of God, being resurrected at the new World Trade Center and it will soon rise like a glorious phoenix as a National Shrine and a place of pilgrimage for our Nation. It will be a place of faith, a place of peace and a place of solace and hope."