St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

[Edward]

St. Nicholas Hellenic Orthodox Church (http://www.wirednewyork.com/churches/st_nicholas/default.htm) was destroyed together with the World Trade Center (http://www.wirednewyork.com/wtc/default.htm) on 11 September 2001.

The church was located across the Liberty Street from the WTC towers, between the Washington and West Streets.

The tiny church building was constructed around 1832. It originally was a residence and later housed a tavern before the founders of the parish purchased the structure. It measured 22 feet wide in front, 20 feet, 11 inches in the back, and about 56 feet long. It was 35 feet tall. On three sides it was bounded by a parking lot.

Greek immigrants established St. Nicholas Church in 1916 and purchased the structure for $25,000. It was one of two old calendar parishes under the Archdiocese until 1993 when it switched to the Gregorian calendar. Among the church's unique characteristics were its small size and its icons, which were a gift from the last czar of Russia, Nicholas II.



St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church (http://www.wirednewyork.com/churches/st_nicholas/default.htm) on 20 May 2000.

http://www.wirednewyork.com/churches/st_nicholas/images/st_nicholas_front.jpg



The cross of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church (http://www.wirednewyork.com/churches/st_nicholas/default.htm) in front of World Trade Center towers.

http://www.wirednewyork.com/churches/st_nicholas/images/st_nicholas_up.jpg

[Kris]

May 14, 2004

Solace on the Site of Disaster

By DAVID W. DUNLAP

http://graphics7.nytimes.com/images/2004/05/14/nyregion/nich.184.jpg
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church was crushed by the fall of the south tower on Sept. 11.

http://graphics7.nytimes.com/images/2004/05/14/nyregion/nich.1841.jpg
Among the items that were salvaged from St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church were, from top, a book and a bell from the altar, and a gong from the bell that was atop the church. The most precious of the old church's possessions were never recovered.

It is the smallest building planned at ground zero. But the architects who will compete to design the new St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church may face the biggest challenge.

They will be asked by Archbishop Demetrios, the primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, for a design at once unmistakably ecclesiastical yet in harmony with the bold secular architecture around it, one that captures unearthly mystery in tangible dimensions and conveys a sense of something outside human experience.

"Within this area, which experienced the horror of total catastrophe, which was the ultimate in human ugliness, you have this type of place which is not a house, not a business, not a museum, not a symphony hall," the archbishop said.

"It's a religious place, which opens the realm of holiness: this total other, the transcendent."

And all of this on a parcel of 5,200 square feet, set in a park across Liberty Street from the main World Trade Center site, roughly the spot where the little St. Nicholas Church stood until the morning of Sept. 11, 2001.

The new St. Nicholas will not be a simple parish church, Archbishop Demetrios said, but a combination church and multiuse, interdenominational center "that offers itself to people of all faiths or even without faith." It would include an exhibition of the few remnants of the old church, which was crushed by the fall of the south tower.

These include icons of St. Dionysios of Zakynthos and the Zoodochos Pege, or life-giving fountain; a small bell that once hung next to the altar; a hand-embroidered velvet Bible covering; and wax candles fused into a serpentine tangle.

St. Nicholas Church was founded in 1916 and soon moved into a modest three-story structure at 155 Cedar Street, on a 22-by-55-foot lot, that had been built as a private dwelling in the 1830's and later turned into a tavern. The church added a fourth floor and a bell cote but still fell 106 stories shy of its giant neighbors to the north.

The congregation, about 70 people from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Westchester County and New Jersey, now worships at SS. Constantine and Helen Cathedral in Brooklyn. "It is the same faces, different building," said Peter Drakoulias, a board member of the church. "Same people. Same hearts. Same hopes."

Mr. Drakoulias said church members supported the idea of rebuilding St. Nicholas as a place of solace and remembrance in which anyone would feel comfortable. "It's an essential part of the mission, as far as the congregation is concerned," he said.

More than $2 million in contributions have been made to the rebuilding effort. In January, the mayor of Bari, Italy, site of the 11th-century San Nicola Basilica, donated 258,000 euros (about $307,000).

The lot on which St. Nicholas stood will most likely be condemned by the state; that is, taken under eminent domain. In return, the church will receive a larger parcel - 65 by 80 feet - on the same block but closer to Liberty Street.

The details are not yet set, said Kevin M. Rampe, president of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation.

"The historic nature of the church and the fact that it's been there so long has convinced everyone that trying to provide space for it would be important to the future, in terms of telling the story of what happened Sept. 11," Mr. Rampe said.

Daniel Libeskind, the master planner of the trade center project, said the church was "part of the spiritual legacy of the site."

"St. Nicholas, as small as it was, was an incredibly moving piece of Lower Manhattan," he said. "It glowed with diversity and the beauty of meditation."

Archbishop Demetrios envisions an international design contest, once the specifics of the site are fixed. Widely published renderings of the trade center memorial showed St. Nicholas with a gable roof and belfry, but this was a kind of visual space holder.

The question is whether the new St. Nicholas needs traditional features to assert its ecclesiastical identity. "You don't expect a pure Byzantine-style church," the archbishop said. "On the other hand, if you depart too radically as a totally modern structure, then that is not perhaps the best way."

Negotiating this line will be difficult, allowed Nicholas P. Koutsomitis, an architect on the board of the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Manhattan who is developing the master plan for the new St. Nicholas.

"Traditionally, a Byzantine dome has been strongly identified with the Greek Orthodox church," Mr. Koutsomitis said. "The trick, in my opinion, will be to produce something that somehow has a visible element of that, yet is more of a modern architectural piece of sculpture."

One of the younger Greek Orthodox churches in Manhattan, St. Spyridon in Washington Heights, was built in the early 50's, when the glass-and-steel International style was on the rise.

Yet its interior is extravagantly, exuberantly traditional; every square inch is ornamented with Byzantine artwork under a high dome depicting Christ.

"The traditionalist in me says that the interior should follow a Byzantine motif," said Steve Hantzarides, president of the board of St. Spyridon.

But Constantine L. Tsomides, a Massachusetts architect who has followed the redevelopment of St. Nicholas, cautioned the archdiocese in 2002 that too literal a Byzantine plan "will result in a building resembling an artificial theme park."

The mixture of the historic and the contemporary at ground zero runs deeper than most New Yorkers know. The most precious of the old church's possessions - relics, or tiny bone fragments, of St. Nicholas, St. Catherine and St. Sava - were never recovered.

To Archbishop Demetrios, the notion that the saints' relics were intermingled in the dust with the remains of the attack victims only serves to sanctify the site further. "Imagine," he said, "a cemetery that somehow has been a burial place for many centuries."

http://graphics7.nytimes.com/images/2004/05/14/nyregion/14nich_graph.gif

Copyright 2004 The New York Times Company

[dtolman]

That first image in the New York Times article - juxtaposing the church with its impending doom, I find to be one of the most striking images of the whole disaster.

Its one of the few pictures that really gives a sense of scale - showing the entire huge structure as a backdrop for a building that could stand in for any building or house we interact with everyday.

[James Kovata]

Interestingly, the article did not mention the most "famous" items contained in the church (other than the relics), i.e. the icons donated by Czar Nicholas II and Czarina Alexandra of Russia.

[BPC]

As a former (infrequent) parishioner of that church, I only hope that the ultimate design will be something Herbert Muschaump will hate.

[ZippyTheChimp]

When I read the article, this (http://forums.wirednewyork.com/viewtopic.php?t=1912&highlight=jubilee+church+meie r) came to mind.

[James Kovata]

When I read the article, this (http://forums.wirednewyork.com/viewtopic.php?t=1912&highlight=jubilee+church+meie r) came to mind.

I would love to see an Orthodox church that looks like that. Unfortunately, the Orthodox church seems to be married to neo-byzantine architecture. Although byzantine architecture is beautiful and classic, it would not blend well in lower Manhattan.

[BPC]

When I read the article, this (http://forums.wirednewyork.com/viewtopic.php?t=1912&highlight=jubilee+church+meie r) came to mind.

Interesting, but there is only so much you can do with 65 by 80 feet.

[BPC]

...Unfortunately, the Orthodox church seems to be married to neo-byzantine architecture. ...

You have a point, but the Church can loosen up architecturally on occassion. This is a Frank Lloyd Wright designed GreekOrthodox Church in Milawukee:

http://www.roamersgreenpages.com/Wisconsin/Images/AnnunciationChurch.jpg

http://www.peterbeers.net/interests/flw_rt/Wisconsin/annunciation_greek_church/DSCN0690_Church_Spire_Down.JPG

Here, however, because of the tragedy of 9/11, I would prefer not to see too much of an out-there design. Something modest and conservative seems more appropriate.

[Derek2k3]

As a former (infrequent) parishioner of that church, I only hope that the ultimate design will be something Herbert Muschaump will hate.

Some unispired post-modern garbage that would appear that the building was built 80 years ago huh...something like BPC.

[James Kovata]

You have a point, but the Church can loosen up architecturally on occassion. This is a Frank Lloyd Wright designed GreekOrthodox Church in Milawukee:



I love that building.

[BPC]

As a former (infrequent) parishioner of that church, I only hope that the ultimate design will be something Herbert Muschaump will hate.

Some unispired post-modern garbage that would appear that the building was built 80 years ago huh...something like BPC.

I suppose you would prefer some Gehry-esque eyesore that will be out-of-date and out-of-fashion five years after it is built. That may be fine for an art museum, but churches should be more modest.

[TLOZ Link5]

I don't think that it's fair to assume that all of Frank Gehry's work will be obsolete in five years. People said that about art deco, and it's proven to be timeless. But I digress.

Considering the site, I for one think it would be interesting and appropriate if the facade took on the same theme as Sagrada Familia: pristine at the top, but gradually seeming to dissolve and decay as you go further down—simply a reminder that nothing, whether material or natural, is eternal.

[Kris]

Hopefully it will be something BPC and other reactionaries will hate.

That may be fine for an art museum, but churches should be more modest.
The way Baroque Rome is modest?

[LuPeRcALiO]

Considering the site, I for one think it would be interesting and appropriate if the facade took on the same theme as Sagrada Familia: pristine at the top, but gradually seeming to dissolve and decay as you go further down—simply a reminder that nothing, whether material or natural, is eternal.

but is NYC ready for La Sagrada Familia?

http://www.driveline.co.uk/images/greatgetaways/cities/sagrada-familia-at-night.jpg

answer: claro que yes!

[fioco]

pristine at the top, but gradually seeming to dissolve and decay as you go further down—simply a reminder that nothing, whether material or natural, is eternal.
TLOZlink5, you have the makings of a sensitive architect -- creative, thoughtful and curious. Too few architects think theology in their designs, and the spaces are either too austere (spiritual without the messiness of humanity) or they echo a predictable but conformist ecclesiology. I hold hopes that the new Saint Nicholas will wed religious ornamentation with a simplicity of design. La Sagrada Familia is fabulous and monumental. Can something as evocative be created in miniature? Let us pray. . .

[BPC]

Hopefully it will be something BPC and other reactionaries will hate.

That may be fine for an art museum, but churches should be more modest.
The way Baroque Rome is modest?

What I intended, and should have said was, that a church at the site of a national tragedy and memorial to 3,000 dead should be relatively modest. In other settings something Koolhaas-ian might be appropriate, but not here.

[lostnyc]

Interesting story, I have seen the church's web site once last year showing photos of the ornate interior.

I have to wonder why bother with having an architect "design" something, just recreate the facade from the existing photos as a guide.

I find it odd where this quote said:

"The most precious of the old church's possessions - relics, or tiny bone fragments, of St. Nicholas, St. Catherine and St. Sava - were never recovered.

To Archbishop Demetrios, the notion that the saints' relics were intermingled in the dust with the remains of the attack victims only serves to sanctify the site further."

I guess what he failed to realize is that ALL of the debris and the dirt, rubble etc right down to the foundation was totally removed and as I remember- hauled over to what was it? "freshkills" landfill (and man if THAT isnt an ironic name for where the debris wound up...) to be sorted and looked over, so whatever relics and Saint bone fragments was there is now in NJ sanctifying the landfill there not the site where the church was.

[James Kovata]

Perhaps I am being too sensitive, but I cannot understand why anyone would hope that a church would be built in a style hated by someone who is a member of the religion to which the church belongs.

[Derek2k3]

As a former (infrequent) parishioner of that church, I only hope that the ultimate design will be something Herbert Muschaump will hate.

Some unispired post-modern garbage that would appear that the building was built 80 years ago huh...something like BPC.

I suppose you would prefer some Gehry-esque eyesore that will be out-of-date and out-of-fashion five years after it is built. That may be fine for an art museum, but churches should be more modest.

Actually I would prefer it but it's not necessary. The church can be modern and modest at the same time. It just seemed like you were implying that they should build a little church with a traditional bell tower, fake ornaments, etc., to act as if the church has been there way before 9/11.

I have to wonder why bother with having an architect "design" something, just recreate the facade from the existing photos as a guide.
Why stop there, screw the current plans and recreate the new wtc from existing photos as a guide. How nonsensical right? I don't understand why being a church makes it justifiable to build some copy of outdated architecture. Are churches not supposed to adapt and progress to modern times?

[lostnyc]

It just seemed like you were implying that they should build a little church with a traditional bell tower, fake ornaments, etc., to act as if the church has been there way before 9/11.



Fake ornaments? the facade actually was very plain except maybe the shape of the upper parts of the windows I think were pointed and the very top where the bell was reminded me of old Spanish missions. Beyond thatthe facade was devoid of gaudyness.


Why stop there, screw the current plans and recreate the new wtc from existing photos as a guide. How nonsensical right?



I've wondered that myself, WHY create an entirely whole new everything from scratch when all the original plans for the two towers could have been modified and maybe built them 50 floors or so high, or even the original 110- whatever, there was nothing wrong with the floor space layout.
They could have put the two towers back in pretty much as they were with modifications/updates etc as needed and it would have gone a long way towards visually putting back what is missing there instead of making the entire site a constant daily reminder.


I don't understand why being a church makes it justifiable to build some copy of outdated architecture.

"Outdated" by whose definitions though?

that really has become a nonsensical catch term and seems to be used more and more by big corporations brainwashing people into the mindset that they have to replace their "outdated" 2 year old $15,000 cars, their "outdated" hair styles every month, "outdated" clothing styles from gasp!!! LAST year!!! and so on. If you stop and think about that you can see how brainwashed the American public has become into replacing almost everything on an almost annual basis (if it doesnt fall apart first) and certainly by 5 years- from major appliances to houses and everything in between.

That's why the landfills are so damned stuffed full of the updated but now outdated in a year junk people keep throwing out!

The DesMoines paper ran an article a couple of weeks ago on that with a photo of what people threw out on the annual big item garbage days- perfectly good furniture, sofas, beds, cribs, you name it.
People don't bother keeping or repairing anything any more they just toss it and buy new in an endless cycle, and then wonder why their credit cards are $30,000 in the hole.

[ZippyTheChimp]

If people always felt that way, there would be no gothic cathedrals, no art deco - well, you get the idea.

Shouldn't we have an architectural legacy to pass to the 22nd century?

[fioco]

If, at its noblest, architecture is able to elevate the mundane and necessary into that which lifts the human spirit as it serves the public need, then art that is beyond the predictable and expedient should guide the design of St. Nicholas.

Ecclesiastical architecture once played a critical role both in how a city projected its importance (temporal power) and its inherent values (spirituality and the social contract). Temples, churches and mosques were gathering places, often surrounded by markets and commerce, and serving as sentinels to remind the community of a power greater than civic authority or tremendous wealth. Such monolithic metaphors no longer speak so convincingly in a diverse, pluralistic society of many creeds, but the need remains for a community to be inspired, to reach for its ideals, and to see life (temporal and eternal) beyond greedy self-interest or cynical hard-heartedness.

Even if the new design of St. Nicholas church echoes the shape and simplicity of the former building, the faith community has been forever changed by 9-11 and its aftermath. The architecture must somehow embody not only the evolving physical requirements of the community but also its spiritual aspirations. Because of its location, the new church will be a provocative witness to endurance and a sentinel for hope. If the architect has chosen suitable and effective metaphors, then believers and non-believers alike would be able to find solace in its design.

So far, every structure considered for the WTC site has elicited much debate and discussion. It will be no different for this small church. The challenge will be to effect great art in miniature form. Perhaps it will be a modernist Faberge egg to bask in the elegance of Calatrava's transit center, or instead, a Koolhaus orgami. And if perchance the Freedom Tower is inelegant, may the views from it be elevated and inspired by the great architecture that surrounds it.

[SunsetWorks]

The bone fragments may be among the thousands of unidentified human remains stored in the refrigerated trailers at the NYC Medical Examiners Office. Due to their age the DNA is probably degraded and would be hard to identify, even if other samples from those long-dead saints could be located elsewhere and DNA profiled.

There would have been no way the recovery teams at the site or Fresh Kills could have separately identified the saints' bone relics from victim bone fragments, if the container holding the relics was destroyed, which was very likely.

I find it odd where this quote said:

"The most precious of the old church's possessions - relics, or tiny bone fragments, of St. Nicholas, St. Catherine and St. Sava - were never recovered.

To Archbishop Demetrios, the notion that the saints' relics were intermingled in the dust with the remains of the attack victims only serves to sanctify the site further."

I guess what he failed to realize is that ALL of the debris and the dirt, rubble etc right down to the foundation was totally removed and as I remember- hauled over to what was it? "freshkills" landfill (and man if THAT isnt an ironic name for where the debris wound up...) to be sorted and looked over, so whatever relics and Saint bone fragments was there is now in NJ sanctifying the landfill there not the site where the church was.

[BPC]

April 22, 2006

On Greek Orthodox Easter, a Displaced Parish Contemplates Its Future

By DAVID W. DUNLAP

At midnight tonight, the parishioners of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Lower Manhattan will celebrate Easter where they have worshiped for five years.

In Brooklyn. At SS. Constantine and Helen Cathedral.

With all the talk of unkept promises at ground zero, it is sometimes easy to overlook St. Nicholas Church, structurally the smallest victim of 9/11, crushed by the collapse of the south tower.

But its own journey through the redevelopment wilderness has been no less protracted than better known projects. And it is not over yet.

The new site for the church is being dictated in large measure by something entirely unrelated to liturgical or parochial needs: the layout of an underground screening center that would serve as the security conduit for all vehicles entering the ramps, roadways, loading docks and parking areas serving the new trade center buildings.

The church must be undergirded by a hardened slab to protect it from an explosion in the ramps below, just as the ramps must be protected from an explosion set off in the church above.

"We cannot really proceed, even with planning, I mean architectural planning, because we have to know what's going on," said Archbishop Demetrios, primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America. "How strong would be this undergirding? And therefore what type of building do you have on top? How high? What's the material? The weight? There are a number of factors here.

"We would like to conclude the issue as soon as possible."

There is no way to say exactly when the end will come, though it appears to be on the horizon.

"What we're attempting to do is balance the church's spiritual needs with design, construction and safety issues," said Steven Plate, the director of priority capital programs at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which will build the screening center at a cost of $478 million.

An irregular, 4,500-square-foot site on Liberty Street, facing the World Trade Center memorial, has tentatively been assigned to St. Nicholas, though the exact dimensions are not yet set. It would have a forecourt, which Archbishop Demetrios imagines as a possible permanent home for the steel-beam cross salvaged from 6 World Trade Center.

The new St. Nicholas will have a sanctuary and a separate contemplation hall where people of any faith — or none — can come for a spiritual retreat from ground zero.

Wrapped around the new church and forecourt, following the curving geometry of the ramps below, would be an elevated park and overlook.

The site is almost four times larger than the church's original lot at 155 Cedar Street, which it still owns but will exchange for the new site. Planners for the archdiocese want the new building close to Greenwich Street, rather than behind or on top of the hill that will be formed by the entryway to the ramps.

"The church has to be accessible," said Nicholas P. Koutsomitis, an architect who is preparing the master plan for St. Nicholas. "It can't be perched on top of a hill."

Stefan Pryor, the president of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, said the church would be placed "as close to its desired location on the east as possible," pending approval by the Port Authority and the multi-agency Lower Manhattan Counter-Terrorism Advisory Team, which includes the New York Police Department.

The government's interest in accommodating the church, he said, is based not only on the historical presence of St. Nicholas in the neighborhood — once a vital Greek and Syrian quarter — but in its greater symbolic role.

"This is the site of an attack that was based on religious extremism," Mr. Pryor said. "By creating an interdenominational center that welcomes people of all faiths we think that the church is making a marvelous statement."

St. Nicholas was founded in 1916. Before moving to Cedar Street, its parishioners worshiped in the dining room of a hotel on Morris Street run by Stamatis Kalamarides.

His grandson, John E. Pitsikalis, is now president of the parish council. Growing up in the Midwood section of Brooklyn, Mr. Pitsikalis remembers traveling with his family into Manhattan for the midnight service at St. Nicholas on Easter Sundays.

"There's a lot of loyalty to your first church," he said.

Since the destruction of St. Nicholas, its members have scattered to churches in New York and New Jersey. The largest group wound up at SS. Constantine and Helen in downtown Brooklyn, where their priest, the Rev. John Romas was assigned.

"The community of St. Constantine has really embraced us," Mr. Pitsikalis said. "It was like we were refugees."

Grateful as they are, however, the people of St. Nicholas long to return home.

"I was walking on the street and ran into a parishioner in her 70's," Mr. Pitsikalis said. "She's scared that she might die and not be buried from St. Nicholas."

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/22/nyregion/22nicholas.html?_r=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print

[LeCom]

You have a point, but the Church can loosen up architecturally on occassion. This is a Frank Lloyd Wright designed GreekOrthodox Church in Milawukee:

http://www.roamersgreenpages.com/Wisconsin/Images/AnnunciationChurch.jpg

http://www.peterbeers.net/interests/flw_rt/Wisconsin/annunciation_greek_church/DSCN0690_Church_Spire_Down.JPG

Here, however, because of the tragedy of 9/11, I would prefer not to see too much of an out-there design. Something modest and conservative seems more appropriate.
I am Eastern Orthodox Christian, and I consider myself open to abstract and objective thought concerning religion, and I also like many futuristic structures. However, I don't know just how comfortable I would be attending this building as a church.

[Gotham]

Here's the recently built Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumtion in Port Jefferson, Long Island.... 2005 I think. I'm Roman Catholic, but the rebuilt St. Nick's will be something special for everyone.... I hope.
http://www.kimisis.org/Gallery/Church%20Album/images/Scan03-02-22-051_jpg.jpg (http://www.kimisis.org/Gallery/Church%20Album/images/Scan03-02-22-051_jpg.jpg)

[LeCom]

That looks like an Armenian branch of the church.

[Gotham]

Nope.... Greek. Nice Architecture either way.
2154

[LeCom]

Nope.... Greek. Nice Architecture either way.
2154
Alright, thanks for the clearup. They/we are the same branch anyway, basically. To all who don't know, here's how it happened: Emperor Constantine broke the Roman Empire into two, the West with the capital at Rome and the East Empire with the capital at Byzantium, current Istanbul. Rome gave rise to the Vatican, Catolicism and Protestant branch-offs, while Byzantium gave rise to Eastern christian churches, such as Greek, Armenian, Russian and others.

[Gotham]

Istanbul = formally Constantinople..... always admired the Orthadox Christian Church's architecture.

[James Kovata]

I am Eastern Orthodox Christian, and I consider myself open to abstract and objective thought concerning religion, and I also like many futuristic structures. However, I don't know just how comfortable I would be attending this building as a church.


I've always loved that Milwaukee church. The rotunda style was one of the earliest styles used in church architecture (after the classic three aisle basilica). By the way LeCom, I'm also Eastern Orthodox.

[ablarc]

I would love to see an Orthodox church that looks like that. Unfortunately, the Orthodox church seems to be married to neo-byzantine architecture. Although byzantine architecture is beautiful and classic, it would not blend well in lower Manhattan.
No need for a church to blend. A church should stand out. Old St. Nicholas contrasted very nicely with the World Trade Center.

[BigMac]

AM New York
December 6, 2006

Church at ground zero marks 90th year

Associated Press

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church was set to mark its 90th year Wednesday with its structure gone but its spirit intact.

The landmark church in Manhattan's financial district was destroyed in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The congregation and city authorities are still cementing a plan to rebuild.

Members plan to mark the anniversary -- and the day devoted to the church's namesake saint -- by creating a "temporary church" at one of ground zero's gates.

Given the church's history, it also will be an occasion to remember the terrorist attacks. Some victims' relatives were expected at the service, and visitors were invited to view artifacts recovered from ground zero.

Built in 1916, the tiny church stood at the southern edge of what is now ground zero. It was traditionally a refuge for Greek sailors who believed that St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors, would keep their ships from sinking.

St. Nicholas -- commonly known as Santa Claus -- was born in the third century to a wealthy family in Patara, a village in what is now Turkey. He became a bishop and lavished his inheritance on the needy, especially children.

The church has served generations of Greek-American families and some of the world's rich and famous, including shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis and actor Telly Savalas.

The Orthodox community worldwide has pledged millions of dollars to rebuild the church, which New York Gov. George Pataki promised would rise on or close to the same spot.

The congregation's 80 families have worshipped elsewhere while awaiting the rebuilding.

Copyright 2006 AM New York

[Jboulin94]

I was upset to hear that the church was crushed because im Greek. It never stood a chance when the towers fell.

[BPC]

AP Top News`Tent' Church at Ground Zero
By VERENA DOBNIK

Associated Press Writer

December 7, 2006, 10:50 AM EST

NEW YORK -- A church rose up for a day inside a white tent at ground zero.

Hundreds of faithful from the tiny St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, which was destroyed along with the World Trade Center, gathered in a makeshift canvas sanctuary on Wednesday, where they marked St. Nicholas Day and the 90th anniversary of their parish.

"We have constructed a church for a day," said Peter Drakoulias, a church board member, before the afternoon service that drew worshippers from Boston, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

As part of the ceremony, Archbishop Demetrios, the head of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, read the names of some Greek-Americans who died in the 2001 terror attacks.

Among them was John K. Katsimatides, an employee of the Cantor Fitzgerald bond brokerage.

"Once a week, my brother used to stop by this church, light a candle and pray," said his sister, Anthoula Katsimatides.

The Sept. 11 attack decimated the landmark church that was once a refuge for everyone from Wall Street traders on their lunch break to Greek sailors who believed St. Nicholas, their patron saint, would keep their ships from sinking.

The church, with barely enough seating for 100 people, also drew some of the world's rich and famous, including shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis and "Kojak" actor Telly Savalas.

Parishioners have raised more than $4 million to rebuild the house of worship at or near its original site, an area just south of the one-time trade center location.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which owns the 16 acres of the World Trade Center site, has yet to approve a final plan for rebuilding St. Nicholas.

"We're just a little church, a small piece of the reconstruction, and we're being patient," said Drakoulias.

* __

On the Net:

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church: http://www.stnicholasnyc.com