NEW YORK – Archbishop Demetrios of America will lead a special Vespers Service at Ground Zero on Sunday Dec. 5, 2:00 pm., the eve of the feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, the Patron Saint of the Church, which was destroyed on September 11. 2001.

On this solemn day, parishioners of the St. Nicholas Church, will be joined by faithful from the many other parishes of the New York metropolitan area, not simply to observe the Feast Day of their Church, but to unite and intensify their prayers and supplications so that the church dedicated to St. Nicholas, the only house of worship destroyed on 9/11, be re-built at Ground Zero soon.

Everyone who shares the firm conviction that St. Nicholas Church, which stood at that site since 1916, must be rebuilt as a tribute to a nation that celebrates diversity and is united in prayer, is welcomed at this service. The Greek Orthodox faithful, the parishes, and the organizations and people of faith from across the region are encouraged to attend this historic and inspirational afternoon of prayer, and demonstrate their steadfast support to the efforts of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the St. Nicholas community to re-built the historic St. Nicholas church at Ground Zero.

This service will be held at the construction site near the corner of Liberty and Greenwich streets - Gate 7, an active construction site. Conditions will require thick sole shoes/boots and weather appropriate dress is advised. Members of the Media are advised to call in advance and arrive at 1:30 pm.