A Day of Remembrance at The Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Demetrios

The tenth anniversary of the tragic events of September 11th ironically fell on a Sunday this year.  In the Orthodox Church, Sunday is commemorated as "the day of the Lord" representing the Resurrection of Christ, the ultimate Victory over death.  The Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Demetrios was packed with hundreds of parishioners on 9/11; however, it was not just an ordinary Sunday service.

A very special and emotional memorial service took place commemorating the heroic and innocent victims who were tragically killed on 9/11/2001, along with the brave rescue heroes who lost their lives in an attempt to save their friends as well as complete strangers.  Father Andrew Georganas led the service with altar boys, chanters and the American and Greek flags surrounding the memorial service table.  Lit candles symbolizing the Light of God bringing hope to all His people, sweet-smelling basil, pictures depicting the September 11th events, a fire helmet and police hat all sat on the table while the congregation participated in the service.

What made this day at Saint Demetrios even more special and emotional was the attendance of several Elmhurst city representatives, including Sergeant Michael McLean, our very own Alex Kefaloukos and Ted Markos (Bellwood Firestation), City Alderman Norman Leader with his wife, local firemen, and a high school friend of Father Andrew's, Lieutenant Colonel Remi Hajjar, who has served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Hawaii and several other parts of the world.  Their attendance brought even more emotion to the service as the congregation chanted, “Eternal be your memory" for those who lost their lives.

As everyone filed out of the main Church and into the Fellowship Hall, patriotic music that played in the Hall brought chills down parishioners’ spines.  The parish came together as they normally do every Sunday after Church to enjoy each other’s company; however, the music and overall feel that was in the air on this Sunday, September 11^th, 2011 brought a different sense of togetherness in the fact that we are united as a country, community and parish.

The following petitions were prayed:

“Again we pray for the blessed memory and eternal repose of the souls of the innocent victims of the barbaric attack of September 11th, of those who unjustly lost their lives, and of those who heroically fell in the line of duty attempting to help these victims.”

“Again we pray for the families of the victims of the terrorist attack of September 11th, that they may be granted help and strength from above, and for those wounded by this unjust attack, for their salvation and the complete restoration of their health.”

“Further we pray for an end to all acts of terrorism and for the establishment of peace in our world.”

May God bless America always.