INVgr / September 11 Relief Fund / Message from His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios

September 11 Relief Fund -- Message from His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church as it once stood in the shadow of the
Twin Towers at the World Trade Centre. The church was destroyed from the
collapse of the adjacent buildings. (photo courtesy of: Grisha Ressetar)

"Upon this rock I will rebuild my church."
- Matthew 16:18, for New York City, September 2001

A humble whitewashed church once graced the shadows of the Trade Towers. Since 1916, the white altar candles of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church shone brightly to welcome all who came for peace.

But at 9:59 am, September 11, those candles were violently extinguished. The sweet scent of incense was blown away by the acrid smell of senseless death and destruction. And the walls came tumbling down.

Our hearts were crushed. But they will not be kept down.

Like so many Americans, the founders of our churches were immigrants. They came with a rock hard belief in God, in liberty and the chance to build great things. That tradition lives on in all of us.

To help our City and National heal, we have founded the September 11 Relief Fund for the children of the missing. To reaffirm our belief in all that is good and right, the entire Greek Orthodox community of America, and the world, has united to mourn the victims of the shameless wickedness perpetuated on that black date. We thank all those who courageously and generously rose to help. We fervently pray for those who fell and those who grieve for them. We give our blood and offer ourselves for healing and restoration throughout our Nation.

We know that the church founded 85 years ago for our beloved St. Nicholas, patron protector of all who travel, will rise in glory once more in the same sacred spot as a symbol of a determined faith which advances what is just and true, noble and holy. Because we believe in God!

We will again burn incense. We will light many candles.

And liberty will shine bright.

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios,
Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America

How INV's members and INVgr's visitors can help

INV International Ltd. wishes to extend its heartfelt sympathy to the relatives and friends of all the innocent people who died as a result of the terrorist attack in the United States on September 11, 2001. If you wish to pledge your help, please consider one of the following suggestions:

For information or to pledge your help, please call +1 212 570 3595.
Pray: "Are any among you suffering? They should pray" (James 5:13).

Sources: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, "Oddyssey: The World of Greece" and INVgr.

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