Money pours in for rebuilding Greek Orthodox church

Stacy J. Willis

Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2001 | 9:13 a.m.

Before Sept. 11, Manhattan's St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church cast its shadow -- of a small, square building with a cross on top -- against the World Trade Center south tower.

St. Nicholas was built in 1912 and, before being crushed by the collapsing twin towers, it was both the pride of Greek immigrants and a lunchtime respite for stockbrokers.

Las Vegas Greek Orthodox Christians will hold a memorial service Sunday to honor the lives lost in the terrorist attacks and to remember the little church that was a linchpin in the international Greek Orthodox community.

"St. Nicholas was small but cherished," the Rev. Ilia Katre of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Las Vegas said. The church was 56-feet long and 20-feet wide -- dwarfed by the modern financial district that grew up around it, but stubborn enough to ward off those who would have bought it out years ago.

"It certainly had historical significance, and in some way its destruction affected Christians worldwide," Katre said.

In the Orthodox tradition, memorial services are not conducted until 40 days after deaths -- in accordance with several biblical references to the 40-day time period, such as Christ's time on earth before his ascension.

Sunday will be the first time St. John's has held a memorial service for the Sept. 11 attack. However, the 300-member church collected $1,100 for St. Nicholas' rebuilding fund, $3,000 for the New York rescuers fund.

"A lot of people here have been to that church," Katre said. "For example, Telly Savalas' parents were regulars there. A lot of people from all over the world have been to that church."

Likewise, money for St. Nicholas reconstruction has come in from all over the world -- the town of Bari, Italy, donated $500,000 to rebuild the church because Nicholas was the patron saint of Bari.

The memorial service at St. John's, 5300 El Camino Road, will begin after the 10:15 a.m. Sunday services.