A dream of Hellenism and of all humanity becomes a reality. Thanks to the efforts and vision of enlightened people and great patriots, St. Nicholas Church, the only religious monument destroyed in the horrific 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York, will once again shine - literally - showing that darkness can be defeated. And that life in the end wins!
Everything is almost ready for the operation of the church, which is located in exactly the same place as the church of Agios Nikolaos that was destroyed. Aspiring, in fact, carrying this great heritage, to be a huge emblematic monument, a beacon of Orthodoxy on the other side of the Atlantic, utilizing the modern technologies, but also the traditions of millennia that have shaped our Nation and our Church.
On the recent 20th anniversary of the attack on the Twin Towers, the exterior of the church was completed. The openings will take place on November 2 and in the middle of 2022 everything will be ready for the first official operation. It will be a global event, which will embrace and transcend the Greek Orthodox faithful.
Lou Katsos, one of our most prominent expatriates, who is distinguished in the construction industry but also for his philanthropic work, guides the Hellenic Daily News NY to the Church, describing to us the small and big secrets of its construction, its special symbolism, its importance for New York, Greece and humanity.
At first, nothing would have happened without the persistent efforts of the Group of Friends of Agios Nikolaos, which managed to raise the necessary funds and make the dream come true. Special mention is made of Archbishop Elpidoforos, Father Alex Carloutsos and other prominent expatriates. The designer of the church is the world-famous Calatrava, "not just a great artist, but also a thinker", as Lou Katsos estimates…
Some of the features of the church impress: The marble used is the well-known Penteliko, which was used for the construction of the Acropolis. And the similarities with the Parthenon do not stop here…
The special style with which the glass was made - with the cooperation of many countries promises a spectacular result that will make the temple "shine", as the Hagia Sophia of Constantinople shone. After all, both churches have 40 skylights, which is not accidental.
"The church will be primarily an Orthodox Church but also a cenotaph for the victims of 9/11. "It's a huge effort that we should all embrace," Lou Katsos told the Hellenic Daily News.
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