and development of the new church and National Shrine . Located at the World Trade Center adjacent to the 9 / 11 Memorial , Saint Nicholas and the National Shrine is literally a beacon — designed with special translucent marble that glows at night , representing the light of Christ and serving as a place of grace for people of all faiths .
“ We wanted Saint Nicholas to be inclusive , and a place for all people to gather and grieve and to take refuge in love and kindness ,” Demos says . “ The pain of losing people on that day will never go away , but everyone will be welcome to come and reflect , to light a candle and have a moment of silence .”
The original Saint Nicholas Church was known as a spiritual jewel for generations of New Yorkers . The building , originally a row house that served as a community home for Greek immigrants , became the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in 1916 . For many of those immigrants , Saint Nicholas would have been the first place they visited after seeing the Statue of Liberty and disembarking from their long journey to America through Ellis Island .
This November there will be a traditional “ blessing of the doors ” ceremony to celebrate the new Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine . The artistic design of the church was inspired by the Hagia Sophia and the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora , both located in modern-day Istanbul , Turkey . The new place of worship will include a meditation and bereavement space , as well as a community room above the narthex for all visitors .
“ Saint Nicholas will combine its long-standing tradition of warmth and welcome with hope , light and love for the future ,” Demos says . “ The rebuilding feels like a rebirth — one that will cherish the memory of those that were lost on 9 / 11 , while also building a better future for the generations to come .” profile generously sponsored by
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