St. Nicholas Church at the World Trade Center
Image Courtesy: St. Nicholas Church
At 9:59 a.m. on September 11, 2001, I was standing outside the New York City Public Library on 5th Avenue when I witnessed the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapse. Even though the two towers were on fire no one upon that avenue - nor people watching on TV's around the world - expected that scenario to occur. The tears, the pain, the fear at that moment - when everything seemed out of control - is something I will never forget...
But what few people know is that when the tower fell (ironically the tower whose top floor I had had the opportunity to visit before it opened), the little Greek Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas (dating from 1916), that had been placed in the tower's shadow when the skyscraper was completed in 1973, was completely obliterated too.
But today, something that makes the situation even more tragic, despite all the commercial building currently taking place at "Ground Zero," the parishioners of this Christian house of worship are not being allowed to rebuild...
But today, something that makes the situation even more tragic, despite all the commercial building currently taking place at "Ground Zero," the parishioners of this Christian house of worship are not being allowed to rebuild...
Please visit the Church's website to read more about this situation and also the USA Today article.
With this little church I am starting a New Section - St. Nicholas Churches Around the World ~
If any of you have a favorite church that was named in St. Nicholas honor, please let me know. I'd love to include it here!
20 comments:
So very sad. I am sure this is an terrible experience that you will never forget.
I wonder why the St Nicolas church in Newbury is spelt without an 'h'? Interesting point. Take care. Diane
ANN! YOU WRE THERE ON THAT DAY? How close were you? I guess no matter how close or far away you were from the site does not make a difference, for what happened affected us far away through the surreal images that we all witnessed. What a shame that the parish cannot build another church... you have such a passion and knowledge of this saint and the churches built in his honor; it is quite impressive! Have a splendid day dearest! Anita
That was a very sad day for our country and I am happy to know that you survived the horror. And I appreciate you memorializing not only that St. Nicholas Church, but others. I look forward to the updates on this.
Lynn
A horrible day indeed! I can't imagine a church not being allowed to rebuild!
Dear Ann
The mere thought of that day brings chills.. Still cannot find the words.. I am grateful you are ok.
I think this is a splendid idea you have about the Churches around the world.
Enjoy your day
Penny
What a shame!! Of all the places that could use a church too...
I have seen the story of the church in NY on Fox News. Such a terrible situation.
Ann how amazing that you were there on that day! I can picture exactly where you were standing, indeed I have a photo of me standing on the same spot on my honeymoon. How frightened you must have felt!! And also to be able to say that you visited the top-floor of one of the Towers before it opened. I'm SO glad that I didn't visit to be honest, it was bad enough all of us picturing ourselves up there with them as it was. And such a lovely church of St Nicholas lost for all time also! Truly a horrific atrocity for all human beings occurred that day.
We do have a St Nicholas church in Manchester. http://www.st-nicholas-church.org.uk/AboutUs.htm
It's about forty minutes drive depending on traffic. I have never been, although it looks like a very unusual building with a round tower, it's a listed/protected building too apparently.
This is a LONG comment... however, I do want to say you are a STAR and SO kind to say how much you like my writing!! I can't put into words just how much encouragement it gives my soul!!!
Much hugs,
Jane
The fallout from that terrible day is so widespread we may never know all of the impact
Thanks for visiting my blog today. I'm going to look around here...I love history. Have a great week!
Thanks for coming by to visit our blog. Our humans are the one who just love the Christmas season but that's not how our names came about. We will be back again to read your blog posts. We are not Christians though.
I hope that the two sides can come to some agreement so the Church can be rebuilt.
My local village church is also a St Nicholas.. and I have even made a painting of it! :)
Oh, what a sad story... I can not believe you were right there on that tragic day... And why are they not allowed to rebuilt... so strange.
On a lighter note, thank you so much for your visit today, I am always so happy when you stop by.;)
To answer your very good question (I got so caught up in the act that I never wrote why he did it) - it was simply to clear out the view, and apparently one other neighbor has pollen allergies - so I guess to alleviate his symptoms. Stupid reasons on both accounts, but I am hoping for my own silver lining.;)
Have a lovely Monday dear Ann,
xoxo
Good morning sweet Ann! Thank you for coming on by last night! Oh, the dance of life doesn't require the right height, the right weight or technical skills, but the heart to perservere and dream. You have that for sure dearest! AND OUR ROOMS ARE DONE...DONE! But the electrician is now the last and missing link to this chain of events for without him, we cannot move our furniture in. He still needs to come in to flip on THE SWITCHES and cover the plugs up, then we are in BUSINESS!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR KINDNESSES ANN....God bless, Anita
Morning Ann and Edward...
Oh my goodness we did know about the church in NYC. I think any building that stood before 9/11 should be allowed to be rebuilt.
Hugs Madi and Mom
What a strange thing, surely this would be the one place where a church would be very appropriate? Look forward to this new series of yours, should be very intersting. Have a great week, Love from London xo
What a tragic day that lives on in so many memories but none more than those who witnessed it firsthand. Heartbreaking.
aw, I can't believe you were there. Gives me goosebumps.
In my humble opinion, of all places this church should be rebuilt there...
WOW...I can't believe you were there on that tragic day in history! You must have been horrified! It was bad enough watching it on TV., let alone experiencing it right there! Such a very sad day for all. It's a shame the church can not rebuild! Have a nice weekend Ann!
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