Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Officially Blessed the Saint Nicholas National Shrine at
The World Trade Center and Participated in the Elevation of the Cross Atop its Marbled Dome
On November 2, 2021, The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Friends of Saint Nicholas will officially welcomed the leader of Global Orthodox Christianity, His All Holiness, 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.
The ceremony with the Ecumenical Patriarch follows the 20th 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 was a spiritual milestone for the Shrine leading to the complete opening of the re-built 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.