Members of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church are determined to rebuild their church, located 500 feet from ground zero, after it was buried under steel girders and concrete in last week's terrorist attack.
One parishioner was in the building during the attack but escaped. "It would break your heart," Father John Romas said of the destruction. "It's one thing to see it on TV, and another thing to see it in person."
The church building was constructed in 1832. Greek immigrants established the church in 1916.
Archdiocese spokesman Nikki Stephanopoulos says that in its early days, the building was a place of worship for sailors and other travelers after their ships docked along the coast. In the last 20 years, it has been described as a reminder of faith and spirituality in the city as church members resisted attempts by developers to buy the property. The church, which has about 50 members, had been opening its doors to the community for prayer and contemplation during Wednesday lunch breaks.
Romas is hoping to retrieve several of the icons given to the church by Czar Nicholas II of Russia and relics of St. Nicholas, St. Katherine, and St. Sava that were kept in an ossuary on the top floor of the four-story building. Stephanopoulos says the church has permission to recover the relics, but several weeks may pass before construction workers are available to begin clearing the debris.
The church has received condolences from around the world, and donations from Orthodox and non-Orthodox Christians.
Stephanopoulos says that although the church will probably rebuild within the next 5 to 10 years, "right now, our major concern is elsewhere." The archdiocese is providing relief and counseling for those affected by the attacks.
When Sin Reigns | An event like this shows us what humans are capable of becoming—both as children of darkness and of light. (Sept. 13, 2001)
In the Belly of the Beast | Christians, calling terrorist attack "satanically brilliant," minister at epicenter of World Trade disaster. (Sept. 12, 2001)
Muslims Fear a Backlash | No matter who is responsible, observers feel a reaction will still be present. (Sept. 12, 2001)
A Wake-Up Call to Become Global Christians | The deadly attacks on America will provoke many responses, but Christians are commanded to love our neighbors. (Sept. 12, 2001)
For video or audio coverage, see CNN, ABC News,and Sky News. The Washington Post is running a live Web cam of the Pentagon building.
The Washington Post has a list of tenants of the World Trade Center and a graphic depicting the attack.
Yahoo has also compiled aid organization contact information, closure notification, and survivor lists.
President Bush addressed the nation on the evening of Sept. 11 (video | transcript). He declared Sept. 14, 2001 a national day of prayer. Bush first learned of the World Trade Center tragedy while preparing to speak to schoolchildren in Sarasota, Fla.. There, he asked Amercians for a moment of silence for the victims.
The Pope and Billy Graham have spoke out on the tragedy and sent out prayers to the victims and their families.
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