— TOGETHER WE STAND —

A SHRINE FOR THE NATION

— TOGETHER WE STAND —

A SHRINE FOR THE NATION

Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine designed by Santiago Calatrava. Photo: © Alan Karchmer for Santiago Calatrava.

Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine Logo

“Rebuild My Church”….These words of our Lord Jesus Christ have been the inspiration for the rebuilt and renewed Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, the only house of worship destroyed on 9/11, since that fateful day in 2001. It is rebuilt as more than a humble Greek Orthodox Church. It is a National Shrine and place of pilgrimage for our Nation. And in accordance with the word of the Lord, it will be a House of Prayer for all people (Mark 11:17). We thank Earthcam for memorializing the miracle of its construction for history.

Come Bask in the Glory

Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine Exterior

We welcome all to see our glorious Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center, designed by world-renowned Santiago Calatrava. Mr. Calatrava is a Spanish architect whose innovative sculptural forms have earned him unprecedented recognition and accolades. His design for us was inspired by the architectural elements of the Cathedral Church of Hagia Sophia and the Church of Our Savior in Chora.

Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine Icon of the Virgin Mary Embracing New York City

At the essence of the Church and Shrine is "The Icon of the Virgin Mary Embracing New York City." Come see the eternal beacon of hope “Platytera ton Ouranon” or “more spacious than the heavens.” This beloved image of the Mother of God serves as protectress and defends our city of New York in the apse of the Shrine of Saint Nicholas. Here, she awaits those whom wish to venerate Her, or simply admire Her beauty, as she receives all with open arms.

Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine Interior

Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
and National Shrine

The Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, founded in 1916, was part of the vibrant multi-ethnic neighborhood that became overshadowed by the World Trade Center. The Church was ultimately destroyed on 9/11 when the South Tower collapsed. Now rebuilt and open for worship, the Church stands strong to the fullness of Orthodox Christian faith and is a Shrine for the Nation, a place for remembrance and reflection for all. We continue our mission of bringing light and life to Lower Manhattan.

Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine designed by Santiago Calatrava. (c) Alan Karchmer for Santiago Calatrava

Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine designed by Santiago Calatrava. Photo: © Alan Karchmer for Santiago Calatrava.

Friends of Saint Nicholas

The Friends of Saint Nicholas was established in December 2019 to raise, invest, manage and disburse funds for the construction and further improvements of the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine. Risen from the ashes of 9/11, the Church also serves as a temple of memory and honor to those whose lives were cut short as a result of that catastrophic day. The Shrine is a metaphoric and physical symbol for those who wish to pay homage, and will provide programs to bring the best of religious tradition to ministries of reconciliation, mutual understanding and religious respect.

Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine Exterior
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine Iconography
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine Exterior
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine Iconography

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