BOSTON – The president of Philoptochos Society of the Metropolis of Boston Athena Kalyvas in a letter to the members of the chapters of the Organization dated March 25, 2021 asked for financial contributions for the finish of the nave and National Shrine of St. Nicholas at Ground Zero in Manhattan.

The letter-request of Philoptochos president Athena Kalyvas has as follows:

“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.”

John 1:5. As we enter this holy time of reflection, penance, and prayer, we are reminded that almsgiving is an important part of our Lenten Journey. To fulfill this important part of our preparation towards the celebration of Christ’s Holy Resurrection, we have an opportunity, and a blessing, to participate in a special philanthropic project – the completion of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center in New York City.

“This is a landmark project for our Archdiocese, and one that we must see through to completion. As Orthodox Christians, it is our obligation to come together, putting aside our differences and criticisms, and see that this Church is completed. Let us not forget that we were the only ones who lost a house of worship in the attacks of September 11, 2001. This Church will stand in remembrance of all those who perished in 9-11, and it will be a place for prayer, comfort, and peace. We also have the unique opportunity for this Shrine to become a beacon of our faith and to show the world the beauty and fullness of Orthodoxy.

“How can you help? It’s simple! Go online to https://boston.goarch.org/ministries/philoptochos/, select St. Nicholas Greek National Shrine at the WTC, and make a donation of $20, or you may mail your donation to the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos at 162 Goddard Ave, Brookline, MA 02445. Any funds collected will be donated on behalf of the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Chapters. We are asking every Philoptochos member in the United States to participate in this $20 challenge. We can make an impact and be a part of History!

Join us in supporting Saint Nicholas Church and National Shrine. New York and Port Authority Officials estimate that this will be the most visited Church in the United States. This is truly a priceless opportunity for all of us, for our faith, for the Greek Orthodox Church.

“We want to count you as one of those who accepted this $20 challenge as part of your personal Lenten Journey.”