Yesterday marked the 22nd anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks in New York City on September 11, 2001. Communities across the United States, as well as many around the world, are honoring their fallen heroes who lost their lives in this brutal attack.
Among the nearly three thousand individuals who perished that day, there were thirty-nine Greek-Americans. On this solemn anniversary, the memories of that tragic event remain vivid and intense for the families of those unjustly taken, as well as for all those who cherish freedom and peace.
List of Greek-American Victims of 9/11 Released by New York City Coroner's Office
The New York City Coroner's office has issued a list of the Greek-American victims (some believed to be Greek due to their names) of the 9/11 attacks. The list includes:
- Joanne Marie Ahladiotis, 27
- Ernest Alifakos, 43
- Arlene T. Babakitis, 47
- Katherine Bantis, 48
- Peter Brennan, 30
- Thomas A. Damaskinos, 33
- Anthony Demas, 61
- Constantine (Gus) Economos, 41
- Michael J. Elferis, 27
- Ana Fosteris, 58
- Jimmy Grekiotis
- Kenneth G. Grouzalis, 56
- Steven M. Hagis, 31
- Vasilios G. Haramis, 56
- Nicholas John, 42
- John Katsimatides, 31
- Danielle Kousoulis, 29
- Thomas Kuveikis, 48
- James Maounis, 42
- Philip William Mastrandrea, Jr., 42
- George Merkouris, 35
- Stilianos Mousouroulis
- Peter C. Moutos, 44
- Nikos Papadopoulos/Papas, 29
- James N. Pappageorge, 29
- George Paris, 33
- Theodoros Pigis, 60
- Daphne Pouletsos, 47
- Richard N. Poulos, 55
- Stephen E. Poulos, 45
- Anthony Savas, 72
- Muriel Fay Siskopoulos, 60
- Timothy Patrick Soulas, 35
- Andrew Stergiopoulos, 23
- Michael C. Tarrou, 38
- Michael Theodoridis, 32
- William P. Tselepis, 33
- Jennifer Tzemis, 26
- Prokopios Paul Zois, 46
The St. Nicholas Shrine, located at Ground Zero, is dedicated to these victims and named after the patron saint of sailors. The church held significant importance for Greek immigrants, serving as their first stop after arriving at Ellis Island.
In a recent 60 Minutes report, Anthoula Katsamatides of New York shared her memories of her brother, John Katsamatides, a 31-year-old bond trader who worked in the World Trade Towers. Anthoula recalled that during his lunch breaks, John would visit the old St. Nicholas Church, discovering solace and peace within its walls as he lit candles and offered prayers for peace.
The Greek Orthodox church, the only place of worship destroyed during the attacks, has been rebuilt near the World Trade Center Memorial Plaza. Its new dome, with translucent walls, illuminates at night, resembling a radiant marble beacon of light.
