Hellenic Caucus Co-Chairs applaud agreement to rebuild St. Nicholas Church

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, applauded the agreement announced today between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to rebuild St. Nicholas Church at 130 Liberty Street in lower Manhattan.  The original St. Nicholas Church was destroyed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
“I congratulate Governor Cuomo, Archbishop Demetrios, and Chairman Ward for their hard work to reach this agreement.  Rebuilding St. Nicholas Church, along with the major progress underway at the World Trade Center site, will help complete our city’s recovery from the 9/11 attacks.  St. Nicholas Church has been an important part of the Hellenic community for generations, but has also served as a place of respite, calm, and prayer for countless others in the lower Manhattan community.  I am delighted that this iconic Church will soon rise again,” said Rep. Maloney.
“The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese has been ready, willing, and able to re-erect its beloved church for some time now and I am pleased that the Port Authority and New York City officials have reached this important and symbolic agreement to reconstruct St. Nicholas Church. As the only house of worship destroyed in the tragic attacks on 9/11, St. Nicholas not only serves as a house of prayer and worship for the Hellenic community, but is a reminder that the United States and its resounding faith cannot and will not be held down by those who wish to harm us. I look forward to the day that this church re-opens its doors and the first post-9/11 Divine Liturgy is celebrated,” said Rep. Bilirakis.