Sept. 11, 2001: A Personal Reflection by Maria Logus, National Philoptochos President

On a bright, cloudless morning on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, I watched as the second tower at the World Trade Center was hit, and I saw the explosive eruption of fire and smoke.  And when the towers fell, I lost a dear friend and colleague who, like so many others, selflessly ran to the site to offer help.

In the days after the attack, lower Manhattan was desolate – no noisy trucks, no bustling shops, no lights, and few people aside from first responders. Uniformed soldiers and tank-like vehicles patrolled the suddenly unfamiliar streets. The site smoldered for months, leaving an open sore, a gaping wound that is still waiting to be healed. And more than a decade later, we still seek healing and relief from that long-time ache.  

To read the complete letter, please click here.

Philoptochos Collections for St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine Exceed $1.5 Million

National Philoptochos President Maria Logus presents a check for $200,000 earmarked for St. Nicholas to His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Former of America; also pictured are Committee Tri-Chairs Jennifer Constantin and Arlene Siavelis Kehl.  Not pictured: Anastasia Michals of Blessed Memory

On June 17, National President Maria Logus presented a check to His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Former of America for the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine Philoptochos Fundraising Initiative.  With this donation, Philoptochos brings the total amount donated by the Society to over $1.5 million.

A round of applause goes to the Philoptochos Chapters and Metropolises across the country who have participated in this fundraising effort during the past three years!  

St. Nicholas will serve as a beacon of love for all who come to pray and reflect, and for the millions more who visit the World Trade Center and National September 11 Memorial & Museum, it will be a declaration of our Orthodox Christian faith to the world.  Please continue to do your part to help your local Philoptochos Chapter or Metropolis Philoptochos with small or large fundraising activities.  Once we have raised $2.0 million, our commitment will be met, and our noble mission will be achieved.  

To be part of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine Philoptochos Fundraising Initiative, please donate fundraising proceeds directly to your local Philoptochos Chapter or your Metropolis Philoptochos.

Resources

Genesis of a Resurrection pamphlet click here

The link above opens to a downloadable document, designed to be printed double-sided in a Landscape orientation on an 8 1/2 x 11” sheet and then folded to create a pamphlet. Please note: Once you select “Two-sided,” you must go into the Printer Properties or Advanced Printer Settings and select “Flip on Short Edge” or “Short-Edge Binding.”

Genesis of a Resurrection poster click here

The link above opens to a downloadable poster.  This digital file can be sent to your local offset printer to create a 24″ x 36″ poster.  You may also print the poster on 11″ x 17″ paper for smaller promotional purposes.

St. Nicholas Shrine- A Shrine for Everyone click here

“Upon this rock, I will rebuild my church” Icon Card click here

Live Webcam of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine Construction Site https://www.stnicholaswtc.org/webcam