On this blessed feast day of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over the Vespers of the Feast of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at Ground Zero in lower Manhattan.
The Shrine, consecrated on July 4, 2022, is the reconstruction of the original St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church which was the only house of worship destroyed on September 11, 2001. The Shrine is a special place of refuge. St. Nicholas National Shrine has welcomed thousands of guests each year for services and special events bringing the Greek Orthodox community together with visitors of all backgrounds.
Archbishop Elpidophoros offered heartwarming remarks regarding the Shrine’s patron saint, “the νίκη τοῦ λαοῦ, the victory of the people, whether it is of one human being, or every human being – is not found in conquering others. It is found in conquering oneself…All of us are called to live in service to one another, not only the clergy. And that service may be eminently simple: a kind word, a gesture, or a smile. A gift that is truly given, with no strings attached. A prayer silently offered for the benefit of someone else. All of these, and so much more, are signs of our calling in Christ.” Archbishop Elpidophoros directed visitors to the inspiring iconography displaying the miracles and good works of St. Nicholas adorning the walls of the Shrine.
Following the service Archbishop Elpidophoros invested Maria Allwin as a Senator of Orthodoxy and Hellenism and Bill Sarris as Archon Notarios. The Archbishop praised their dedication to our Church in America stating, “Maria is one of the persons who made this National Shrine a reality, through an abundant generosity that has nourished and sustained our Church for decades. She never says, ‘No.’ She opens her heart to whatever need presents itself and brings an elegance and beauty to all her many undertakings. In becoming a Senator of our Archdiocese, I know that her wisdom and substantive counsel will enhance the work of the Church. And tonight, Bill follows in the footsteps of his father, Frank, in attaining the offikion of an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. As many of you know, the Sarris family name is associated with sweet things – chocolates and candies that are well pleasing to the senses. But Bill also knows the sweetness of service to the Church, and we welcome him to the fraternity of the Order of Saint Andrew with joy.” Celebratory chants of “Axia” and “Axios” rang through the church, filled with parishioners.
Photos: GOARCH/Dimitrios Panagos & Brittainy Newman
