The Leader of Global Orthodox Christianity Set to Officially Bless the Shrine and Participate in the Elevation of the Cross Atop its Marbled Dome
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Friends of Saint Nicholas will officially welcome 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.
This 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 will be 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.
WHEN: Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 11:00am
Press Registration opens at 9:00am / Press Must be pre-set no later than 10:00am
WHO: His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon
His Eminence, 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 & New Jersey
Federal, State and Local Government Officials
WHAT: 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.
WHERE: The St. Nicholas National Shrine
130 Liberty Street, New York, New York – World Trade Center
