“Kali Anastasi”, Greek for “Happy Resurrection” was the best wish expressed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to the faithful during the Holy Saturday service at the iconic St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine.

Mamdani, a Muslim, attended the con-celebratory and solemn liturgies for Holy and Great Saturday and the Lamentations at the Tomb, respectively, held at the new Orthodox Church at the World Trade Center site.

The service was attended by clergy, diplomats and members of the faithful from greater New York City area. Mamdani had been invited by the Archbishop of America Elpidophoros, who officiated at the hierarchical service.

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In his Easter message, His Eminence Elpidophoros of America emphasized, among others:

“From one flame, you have all been set ablaze,” Archbishop Elpidophoros said. “From one burning candle, the world can be set alight with faith, with hope, and with love.” 

The Archbishop also called the faithful to look into one another’s faces and behold what he described as the shining lamps of God’s creation—the light of God within every neighbor. That light, he said, is the gift of God’s gracious love and the gift that we are called to give to one another and to the world.  

“We have journeyed with Him through His Holy Week, and we have arrived at His Empty Tomb,” Archbishop Elpidophoros said. “So therefore, let us proclaim to one and all, that He is not here! He is Risen!”