Message from Father Andreas Vithoulkas
Proïstamenos and Archiepiscopal Vicar of the Saint Nicholas National Shrine
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Dear Friends of Saint Nicholas,
Welcome to your Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine! We have been waiting to say those words for a long time, but it has certainly been worth the wait. On December 5th, the Parish will recommence our regular worship with the Great Vespers of the Feast of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, with the presence of His Grace Bishop Apostolos of Medeia (the Archbishop will be in Jerusalem). The next day, December 6th, His Grace will lead the Divine Liturgy and for the first time in 22 years, Saint Nicholas Day will be celebrated within the Temple dedicated to his name.
The gratitude of our little Parish is literally inexpressible. The leadership of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros and his commitment to finish the Shrine. The Friends of Saint Nicholas, whose faith and generosity have made everything possible. Talented people like Richard Browne and Lou Katsos and a whole host of others whose vigilance, care, and professional accomplishments have made the building possible. The devotion and dedication of countless donors, workers, and visionaries have bestowed incalculable blessings upon the Shrine. And now it is time to do our work and rebuild the Parish.
Beginning on the Eve of the Feastday of the Saint, on December 5th, the regular liturgical life of the Parish will recommence in the Sanctuary of Saint Nicholas for the first time in 22 years. It is a deeply emotional and a highly anticipated moment for so many around the country and around the world.
On behalf of the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, I invite every reader to join us either in the body or in spirit. You can add your name to the thousands of supporters who have made this day possible.
Join us in this journey of faith and service that is a mission for the agers at the rebuilt World Trade Center. Let Saint Nicholas be a spiritual home for you and for all people.
Faithfully in Christ,
Father Andreas Vithoulkas