Christ as the Light and Center of Our Lives
A Photo Essay by Thekla Ketcher, (G‘25)
Earlier this month, a group of Orthodox Christian students traveled to New York City, visiting the Ground Zero memorial and the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine. Hosted by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and made possible by the generous support of loyal university donors, the pilgrimage offered students a chance to reflect on both the historical and spiritual significance of the sites. Through this photo essay, Thekla Ketcher (G’25) shares her personal experience of this meaningful journey.
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church at Night, located in the World Trade Center, New York City
I took this photo just after having a group conversation with Fr. Andreas, the head priest at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church*. Fr. Andreas had described to us the loss and struggle of the St. Nicholas church and its community after 9/11 as the building was destroyed during the devastating attacks. I took this photo because the contrast of the dark city with the church shining brightly was not only visually beautiful, but I thought it spoke to the main message Fr. Andreas had told us about St. Nicholas. Despite facing difficulties and loss in 9/11, the community of St. Nicholas came out brighter and more beautiful. This speaks to one of the main Orthodox Christian messages that darkness cannot overcome the light. “And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not,” (John 1:5).
The 9/11 Memorial at Night, located in the World Trade Center, New York City
After speaking with Fr. Andreas, a friend and I decided to walk around the 9/11 memorial. There was a clear somber and mournful atmosphere with the sounds of water falling; it was as if hearing infinite tears falling in the dark and cold night. While looking around, though, St. Nicholas stood out so brightly and sharply, almost like a shining star of hope in such a mournful atmosphere. I remembered that Fr. Andreas told us that many people come to St. Nicholas in part to find closure for their loved ones who passed during the attacks. I felt the sadness of the memorial, and seeing St. Nicholas just across the street reminded me of the Orthodox Christian theme that there is always Light and Hope, despite when times may feel or appear to be so dark and hopeless.
Christ Pantocrator at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, New York City
I took this photo because not only was the iconography beautiful, but this photo also reflects the purpose of this pilgrimage: Christ. As an Orthodox Christian, I believe Christ should be the center of our lives, and that the decisions we make should help us move closer to Christ, while also working toward becoming a better Christian. You can see all the iconography surrounding Christ, proving Christ is the Center of the Orthodox Church and the world. Interestingly, Christ Pantocrator shines the brightest in this picture, reminding me of a biblical passage where Christ Himself says He is the Light of the world (John 8:12). As a graduate student, going on this pilgrimage served as a reminder that when my school work and life becomes busy and stressful, I need to remind myself to keep Christ at the center and have faith that all will work out.
Image of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Iconostasis during the Divine Liturgy, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, New York City
This photo is from the last day of our pilgrimage during our Sunday Divine liturgy. I took this photo because it captures the theme of Christ’s relation to the world: all revolves around Him. Any iconography you see in this image has some form of connection to Christ. You can see Christ ascending in the background, placed clearly in the center to reflect Christ is King and the center of all. Below His Ascension, the Theotokos (Mother of God) holds Christ, in the form of a baby, looking over New York City, displaying that Christ and His Mother are protecting the city. You can also see Christ crucified at the center of the altar. These themes are throughout the whole church, but this photo captures that Christ, though clearly part of the Church, is also always present in our daily life as a Light and Hope.
Our final group photo at Skinos Greek Restaurant, New York City
While at Skinos, one of the employees asked to take a group photo of us. After taking the photo, they gave us a copy of it. I took a photo of a photo because, to me, it reflected an important message as an Orthodox Christian: creating a Christian community through Christ. As an Orthodox Christian, serving and participating in a Christian community is important for not only an individual but also everyone around that individual. Through a community, one can learn to be patient, loving, caring, and understanding, thus pushing each other to become better Christians and work towards a Christ-like love. This photo reflects the friendships and the deeper connections I made on this trip as Christ was the core center of our trip, but even more so, our lives.
*Fr. Andreas Vithoulkas is the Reverend Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne and Archiepiscopal Vicar of the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center.
Thekla Ketcher is a graduate student in the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University. All photo credits are hers.