On November 2, the reconstructed Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, the only house of worship destroyed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, opened its doors (Thyranoixia) in a unique ceremony presided over by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, marking the 20th anniversary of the attacks.
His All-Holiness blessed the Shrine and participated in the Elevation of the Cross atop its marbled dome. “This Sacred Ground of the American experience is where the Orthodox Christian Faith will take the lead in manifesting to the world that good is mightier than evil, that there is life beyond death, and that love will always triumph over hatred,” said Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, blessing the sacred relics recovered from the former church previously located on the West Side of Liberty Park.
Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, the only symbol of faith at the World Trade Center, sits atop Liberty Park, overlooking the Memorial Pools and the 9/11 Museum. The Church will open its doors to people of all faiths and denominations in April 2022.

















































