NEW YORK – The memorial service at the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine for the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks took on an ecumenical character, transcending the boundaries of the Greek-American community and the Orthodox Church. The service was held in the early afternoon of the 23rd anniversary of the day that ‘changed the world’.

Presided over by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the service at Saint Nicholas saw the attendance of family members of 9/11 victims, representatives from the police and fire departments, as well as Christian leaders from various denominations in New York, sending the message that Saint Nicholas is more than a common Greek Orthodox church.

Michael Psaros, Chairman of the Friends of Saint Nicholas, the group that was instrumental in the completion of the new church told The National Herald that in his speech Archbishop Elpidophoros made it clear that National Shrine was built for New York and the world and that people from all faiths are welcome in this place of reflection, redemption, comfort, and peace. Psaros had envisioned such a wide-reaching impact for the new church, which serves as a broader symbol for the area of Ground Zero.

In her speech, Anthoula Katsimatides, who lost her brother, John, in the Twin Towers, also emphasized that Saint Nicholas embraces all the families of the more than 3,000 victims in the attacks of September 11, 2001, as those of the people who later died due to exposure to toxic substances during those difficult days.

She told TNH that, “it’s a hard day; I feel the absence of my brother John very deeply in my heart every day, not just today. I am very glad that Saint Nicholas chose to hold the memorial on this day, because it is very important not only to remember the Greek Orthodox victims but to commemorate the approximately 3,000 people who lost their lives on that day and in the years that followed due to the carcinogenic substances they inhaled in the area. I spoke about my brother John, but I believe the most important thing I said was about the Saint Nicholas Church, which, although it is a Greek Orthodox church, is full of love for all people, and the entire world is welcome here, whether they seek peace or quiet.”

Psaros highlighted the presence of hierarchs from all denominations. “It was a very powerful day, a very powerful moment. We just witnessed one of the most remarkable services, possibly in the broader history of the Archdiocese of America. All the world’s denominations were present here, the hierarchs from all Christian churches in America. It was an extraordinarily powerful service. But today is always a day of remembrance for those who were murdered. Anthoula Katsimatides’ speech today was worthy, just like the excerpt from Pericles’ Funeral Oration that is inscribed at this National Shrine. Her words were very moving, and I wish all Orthodox Christians and all Greek-Americans could have heard them,” Psaros said.

Eleni Kousoulis, sister of Danielle Kousoulis, who tragically died on September 11, 2001, recounted the special relationship the deceased had developed with the old Saint Nicholas Church, which was crush as the Towers fell after the terrorist attacks.

“Saint Nicholas was always important to my sister. She worked at the World Trade Center, and I remember her talking about Saint Nicholas. She would pass by there before and after work, whether she had a difficult day or simply for reflection. This service was very important to us. It’s a wound that will never heal. It’s important that these memorial services are held every year so that we can all come together and remember. The rebuilding of Saint Nicholas is something special that shows that we don’t give up but keep moving forward and continue living,” said Kousoulis to TNH.

Finally, Kalliope Katsimatides, mother of Anthoula and John Katsimatides, spoke about the difficult process of dealing with loss for her and her family over the past 23 years, but also the strength she draws from all those who offered support to them so that life could go on.

“We are grateful to our Church for holding these memorials, especially since the Saint Nicholas National Shrine of was completed, and we feel even closer. The presence of the Archbishop and our other hierarchs honors us even more. We feel a sense of relief. Of course, for us, pain is pain. Nothing changes. These past years have been incredibly difficult, but life doesn’t stop there; it continues with its own problems. It takes great strength, and as humans, we fight and receive help from God. I wish health to everyone,” said Katsimatides.

Greek-American businessman Dean Metropoulos also attended the memorial service.