The faithful filled St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center on the evening of Friday, April 10, as Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over the Orthros of Great and Holy Saturday and the Service of the Lamentations at the Tomb. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who had accepted an invitation from the Archbishop, was in attendance.
In his homily, Archbishop Elpidophoros reflected on the mystery of God’s sacrificial love, and on Christ’s entry into human suffering as the means by which He granted humanity new life.
“Our procession is marked by sorrow, yet with hope, for death does not have the final word,” His Eminence said. “On this solemn day, the Church calls us not to turn away from suffering, but to stand before it, uncomfortable as it may be.”
The Archbishop turned to the present day, drawing a direct line between the Passion narrative and the suffering unfolding across the world:
“Even as we gather here in prayer, our hearts are mindful of our brothers and sisters throughout the world, especially in the Middle East and in Ukraine, who continue to endure war, fear, and profound uncertainty,” Archbishop Elpidophoros said.
“Whether Jew, Christian, or Muslim, they are burdened by violence and loss. We lift up all who are suffering in prayer, and remain steadfast in our commitment to continue offering humanitarian aid and striving to ensure that their humanity is never overshadowed by indifference and apathy.”
In remarks following the service, Mayor Mamdani thanked the Archbishop for his invitation and for the leadership he provides “to so many across the city, across this country, [being] such a benefit to all of us who are fighting for that dignity that you speak of.”
Mayor Mamdani spoke at length about the weight of the evening’s observance.
“Tonight, as we dim the lights and carry the Epitaphios, we bear the burden of Jesus Christ’s earthly Body, just as He once bore the weight of the Cross. After a week spent in prayer, and a Lent spent abstaining from meat and dairy to better understand the plight of His crucifixion, I know that many here tonight, and many across this city, will weep for His burial. It is a solemn, sacred time, and as we reflect on the path that Jesus walked, I’m reminded of the great burdens that many here have shouldered to practice their faith.”
Mayor Mamdani called St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine a cornerstone of New York City, “one that has taught us that resilience and generosity will help to light the way,” and thanked the congregation “for building this site of beauty from what was once ashes.”
Among those attending the service were the Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations, Ambassador Aglaia Balta; the Consul General of Greece in New York, Iphigenia Kanara; the Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus in New York, Kyriakos Pogiatzis; and State Senator Andrew Gounardes. Celebrating alongside His Eminence were Fr. Andreas Vithoulkas, the Archiepiscopal Vicar of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center, as well as Fr. Samuel Davis.
Photos: Orthodox Observer/Brittainy Newman
