Although the Greek Orthodox church and shrine of Saint Nicholas near Ground Zero in New York lit up impressively it remained shut and did not open for this year's 21st anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, reported the New York Post, citing building delays and a long list of obstacles.
Michael Psaros, chairman of the Friends of Saint Nicholas, which is raising money for the project, said shipping delays were to blame.
“Remember, the marble starts in Greece, goes to Germany, goes to Austria, goes to Minnesota and then goes to Ground Zero,” Psaros said.
And once the building is finally done, it will be lighted from the inside to give it the appearance that it glows.
“It will be lit every night after we open,” Psaros said. “That light will be really a symbol of resurrection over death, of light over darkness. Really the resurrection of New York.”
As previously reported, a consecration service was held at Saint Nicholas in July, even though the interior work was not finished. The event was attended by Representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York, Mayor Eric Adams of New York City, the leadership of the Friends of Saint Nicholas, officials of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, and Greek Orthodox Faithful from around the United States.
"Though St. Nicholas is a Greek Orthodox House of Worship, we welcome all. It will be a place for everyone who comes to the Sacred Ground at the World Trade Center to imagine and envision a world where mercy is inevitable, reconciliation is desirable, and forgiveness is possible." noted Archbishop Elpidophoros at the time.
