Abp. Elpidophoros Joins 9/11 Memorial Dedication in New York

NEW YORK — Abp. Elpidophoros joined public officials, Port Authority police officers, and community leaders for the dedication of a new Port Authority Memorial in Lower Manhattan as the nation begins a week of remembrance marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The memorial stands beside St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, overlooking the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero.

Among those attending were New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia, Port Authority Board Chairman Kevin O’Toole, Congressman Dan Goldman, State Senator Brian Kavanagh, Assemblymember Grace Lee, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and World Trade Center Memorial Fund President Paul Iannacone. Current and retired Port Authority police officers, relatives, friends, and supporters also gathered for the ceremony.

The ceremony began with the Presentation of Colors and singing of the National Anthem, followed by remarks from civic and community leaders. Speakers highlighted the significance of the memorial’s location beside St. Nicholas National Shrine, the only house of worship destroyed in the September 11 attacks, and overlooking the footprints of the former World Trade Center. Abp. Elpidophoros reflected on those who sacrificed their lives while protecting others and on families who have carried their loss for 25 years.

“It is deeply meaningful that we gather here beside our Saint Nicholas National Shrine,” the Archbishop said. “This little church was itself lost on September 11. Today, it stands again overlooking Ground Zero, not as though the tragedy never happened, but precisely because it did.”

The Archbishop connected the rebuilding of St. Nicholas with the resilience of the city and nation, describing the shrine as a symbol of hope emerging from tragedy. “Saint Nicholas stands here as a witness that destruction need not have the final word; that from the deepest wounds can come renewed purpose; and that remembrance, joined with faith, can become hope,” he said. “As we dedicate this memorial and prepare to mark twenty-five years since that terrible day, we remember the sacrifice of those who ran toward danger to save others, the lives that were forever changed, and the enduring spirit that continues to unite us. It is in that hope, and in that spirit of remembrance, that we now pray.”

Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. Elpidophoros discussed Halki and religious freedom with a U.S. official.