It's been 19 years since the 9/11 terror attacks.
St. Nicholas was the only other building besides the Twin Towers completely destroyed during the 9/11 terrorist attack.
"Today, at Ground Zero, we remembered the lives lost on 9/11, their families and friends, and all those heroes who gave the last full measure. We are rebuilding St. Nicholas for them, and to build a better world. May God grant comfort to all who mourn this day," His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America posted on social media.
After the 9/11 attacks, it was said that the Church would reopen as a national shrine.
Today, at Ground Zero, we remembered the lives lost on 9/11, their families and friends, and all those heroes who gave...
Posted by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America on Friday, 11 September 2020
Earlier this year, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America used sprigs of basil and holy water to bless the restart of construction works at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Construction was set to resume in the spring, then COVID hit, grounding all non-essential projects statewide to a halt for months.
The aim is to have the new St. Nicholas open on September 11, 2021 — the 20th anniversary of the attacks — to offer comfort to New Yorkers of all faiths.
On the 19th anniversary, we remember those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
60 Minutes showcases the rebuilding of the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church