Consecration of the St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine (VIDEO) (PHOTOS) (upd)

The consecration of the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at Ground Zero in New York, 21 years after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 that destroyed the only place of worship at the World Trade Center, was performed by the Archbishop of America Elpidophoros.

To watch the video of the consecration service please click here.

Great Vespers at St. Nicholas by Metropolitan of Chalcedon

On July 3, at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon presided over Great Vespers.

In an affirmation of unity across the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the Chancellor from each Metropolis served.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America honored the exceptional service of George Gigicos and Andy Veniopoulos, who have “used their remarkable talents and skills to bring the Shrine to vital moments of its public reveal: last year, on the eve of September 11th, for the Lighting of the Shrine; on the Thirtieth Anniversary of His All-Holiness’ Patriarchal tenure, for the Opening of the Doors by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew; and tonight, for this Vespers and the Consecration tomorrow.”

Archbishop Elpidophoros also expressed his gratitude to His Beatitude Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia, who commissioned and gifted a full set of ornate altar coverings for Saint Nicholas.

A number of ecumenical and interfaith leaders were also present for the Vespers service, including His Excellency Archbishop Gabriele G. Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations; His Grace Bishop Irinej, Serbian Orthodox Church of North, Central, and South America; His Grace Bishop Saba, Georgian Apostolic Orthodox Church in North America; His Eminence Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Armenian Apostolic Church; and His Eminence Metropolitan Zachariah Nicholovos, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.

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Source: orthodoxtimes.com