September 11 Memorial

*NEW* - Petitions on the Occasion of the three-year memorial

A Pastoral Message From His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios on the Anniversary of September 11, 2001	In Memory, In Faith, In Hope: The Archdiocesan September 11 Memorial Brochure

On the morning of September 11, 2001 a horrendous tragedy struck ournation. The attacks of terrorists caused over 3000 deaths and terribledestruction in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania. Thevictims, persons from all over the world, included office workers,airline employees and passengers, public officials, military personnel,and rescue workers who lost their lives in the collapse of the TwinTowers as they were attempting to save others.

In the aftermath of this tragic day, our entire world has been affectedand has changed. Numerous families are attempting to cope with the lossof loved ones. Communities and churches have gathered on multipleoccasions to mourn. The destruction and the economic ramifications ofthe attack have left many without jobs or adequate income. Conflicts inAfghanistan and other parts of the world reveal deep animosities in anattempt to confront terrorism globally. Many people are concerned aboutissues of security and what might happen in the future.

In response to the tragedy of September 11, the Greek Orthodox Churchin America has offered continual prayers for the victims and theirfamilies, as well as faithful and compassionate service to those inneed, to our nation and its leaders. Within hours after the attacks,His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios issued a directive for all of ourchurches throughout the country to be opened and prayer services to beconducted for divine protection, consolation, and for the repose of thesouls of those who died. Within days the Archdiocese established theSeptember 11 Relief Fund for the families of the victims andfacilitated the opening of several Relief Centers in coordination withInternational Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC).

The pastoral ministry of our Hierarchs and Priests has been criticalover the past year. On the day after the attacks, Archbishop Demetriosvisited Ground Zero in New York and offered prayers for the victims,the families and the relief and rescue workers. A service ofconsolation and memorial was held that evening at the Holy TrinityCathedral in New York. Area priests visited the injured in localhospitals and served as chaplains during the recovery process. TheHierarchs of the Archdiocese offered direction and words of consolationto the faithful and called upon all of our churches to conduct 40 daymemorial services for the victims. Funeral services for the OrthodoxChristians who died on September 11 were led by the Archbishop andparish clergy. Six months after the events, His All Holiness EcumenicalPatriarch Bartholomew conducted a memorial service during his visit toGround Zero. He affirmed the Church's condemnation of acts of terrorismand offered words of love and healing to the families of the victims.

During the past year the ministry of our Church has also includedprayer and counsel for our nation and its leaders, and political andreligious leaders around the world. On September 14, 2001, ArchbishopDemetrios joined other area leaders for a visit to Ground Zero withPresident George Bush. The following week in Washington D.C., PresidentBush met with national religious leaders, including the Archbishop,prior to addressing the nation regarding the crisis. On September 23the Archbishop delivered the benediction for a national prayer serviceheld at Yankee Stadium. The Archdiocese hosted officials anddignitaries from both Greece and Cyprus as they visited New York andWashington offering condolences and support. In December 2001,Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew convened an interfaith meeting ofChristian, Jewish, and Islamic leaders in Brussels in an effort toencourage more dialog and collaboration for increasing tolerance andpeaceful coexistence. On July 9, 2002, President Bush met with AmericanOrthodox leaders at the White House and thanked them for their prayersand ministry during a year of tremendous challenges.

The love of Orthodox Christians and their faith in the presence andpower of Christ has been expressed in numerous ways following thetragedy of September 11. In addition to prayers, blood drives, anddonations of supplies, faithful from all over the globe havecontributed over $2 million to the September 11 Relief Fund. Themembership of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund havecontributed over $587,500. Thousands of donations have been receivedfrom our dioceses, parishes, and individuals.

The fund was established to assist the families of the victims of thetragedy of September 11. The relief fund is now providing assistance tothe dependents of the twenty-one Greek Orthodox persons killed on thatday. This relief effort will continue in the months to come as theArchdiocese addresses both the immediate and long-term needs of thesefamilies.

For the one-year anniversary of September 11, our parishes have beenasked by the Holy Synod to conduct memorial services on Sunday,September 8, to open the churches for prayer on September 11, and toparticipate in local and national observances that will mark thispassage of time and continue the process of healing, restoration, andministry. In our remembrance of what has happened and ouracknowledgement of what has and must be done, may we continue toexpress our faith in God and our hope in the strength and assurancethat comes from Him. May we offer a true witness of the power of loveas we serve in the name of Christ Jesus our Resurrected Lord.