The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Friends of Saint Nicholas will officially welcome the leader of Global Orthodox Christianity, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of his Enthronement as Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch.
This milestone makes his All Holiness, the apostolic successor of Saint Andrew the Apostle, the longest serving Primate in the Patriarchate’s 1,700 year history.
This ceremony with the Ecumenical patriarch follows the 20ht Anniversary remembrance of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when the Shrine held its annual memorial service and was illuminated with its signature glow for the first time.
The blessing and presence of the Ecumenical Patriarch will be a spiritual milestone for the Shrine leading to the complete opening of the rebuilt Church in April of 2022.
The Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church was the only house of worship destroyed on 9/11. Rebuilt as a National Shrine, it was designed by the world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava and sits atop Liberty park overlooking the Memorial Pools and the 9/11 Museum.
When complete, it will welcome people of all faiths and denominations to remembrance and contemplation, as the only symbol of faith at the World Trade Center.
The blessing, elevation and permanent installation of the Cross that will sit atop the dome of the church, and a special service in which his All Holiness will open the doors of the Shrine in order to present a special blessing, a relic of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker himself, which has been brought from the Holy Mountain of Athos, will take place on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at 11:00 am.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, members of the Holy Eparchial Synod of America, the leadership of the Friends of Saint Nicholas, officials of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Federal, State and Local Government Officials, will be present.
