#REBUILDMYCHURCH

Heroes of Saint Nicholas

On the morning of September 11, 2001, heroes emerged at Ground Zero – many of whom gave their lives. Since that fateful day, there have been contributions of enormous significance to the rebuilding of the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine. These are the Heroes of Saint Nicholas.

Every month, we will highlight a person who played a special role in making the National Shrine a reality. The gratitude of the Greek Orthodox Church toward these people is truly incalculable. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for what they have done to bring about the miraculous reconstruction of Saint Nicholas.

This month's Heroes of Saint Nicholas is Michael Karloutsos, Nick Spanos and Andrew Veniopoulos - Read full announcement

In the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, some members of our community showed themselves and their character in their quick and compassionate response. One of the stories that we have yet to tell is how the other parishes in New York stood by Saint Nicholas: Saint Barbara at the foot of the Manhattan Bridge on the Lower East Side, where IOCC set up its headquarters in the aftermath; Saints Constantine and Helen in Brooklyn, where the community worshipped; Saint George Tropeoforos in Midtown, where the first St. Nicholas Parish Sacrament post 9/11 took place in November of 2001.

But today’s stories are about individuals who distinguished themselves in that painful aftermath. In highlighting these three, we in no way overlook the many hundreds and indeed thousands who mobilized in the wake of the destruction and unspeakable loss. But these three had a direct impact on the recovery efforts that were engaged for the sake of the little Church of Saint Nicholas, which had spent so many generations on Cedar street and which was lost on that terrible day. Three names that come to mind: Michael Karloutsos, Nick Spanos and Andrew Veniopoulos. Continue reading this announcement. 

Heroes of Saint Nicholas Recipients