Beacon of Hope

On July 17, the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine’s Board of Trustees announced that the recipient of this year’s “Beacon of Hope” award would be Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was described by the shrine as “a most worthy recipient who illuminates the path forward in times of great challenge.” It added that the dinner will gather the community "in support of the enduring values that bring people together." 

Not only this, but an after party for the event was advertised to young adults. “Dance the night away at Casa Cipriani following the award ceremony honoring President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,” the promotional material states.

As the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America wishes to enter the political arena, it seems it can’t make up its mind on how to behave in such a setting. Is this the solemn welcome of a hero battling against the oppressor, or is this just another Greek event that ends with dancing?

For the dinner itself, attendance can be had for the following tiers of payment:

$250,000 - Light of the World: Full page ad in program on either of the inner covers, listing in program, part of VIP reception, (just family), acknowledgement in video and 3 priority tables for guest

$100,000 - Guardian of Hope: Full page ad in program, listing in program, part of VIP reception (donor and plus one - spouse), acknowledgement in video and 2 priority tables for guests

$50,000 - Anchor of Hope: Half page ad in program, listing in program, acknowledgment in video, one priority table

$25,000 - Friend of Saint Nicholas: Listing in program, one table

$3,500 - Bearer of Light: Listing in program, 2 seats

$1,500: Individual Seats

“President Zelenskyy’s unwavering commitment to his people and to the principles of freedom reflects the spirit of the National Shrine itself — a place where faith, resilience, and the light of hope stand as a witness to the world,” the link to purchase tickets states.

The downtrodden may be able to witness this event if its wealthy attendees want to pat themselves on the back once for being there, and once more for getting a poor person in. But if they strike out on that front, they can pay $200 to dance afterward.

More important than all of this is that, as Zelenskyy is a secular leader, it is fair to consider which “enduring values” we are speaking about and how they relate to the Church (as it is a church honoring him with the award, after all). Is the hope that is being ascribed to Zelenskyy the same hope St. Paul references in Hebrews?

In Zelenskyy’s inaugural address back in 2019, he stated the following:

"We must not just talk about NATO standards — we must create those standards."

Yet by 2024, Ukrainian Law 3894 had been enacted. Despite the roundabout language contained in the bill, this law – both in spirit and as revealed in practice – seeks to dissolve the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). 

So concerning was the passage of Law 3894 that not only did the Vatican and United Nations speak out about it, but even our very own Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops here in the United States.

Their statement reads:

"The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America has followed with grave concern and profound sorrow the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation as well as the ecclesiastical challenges in the country. While recognizing the legitimate right of governments to prevent all security threats during a time of war, the Assembly is deeply concerned with the adoption by the Ukrainian parliament of Bill 8371 (Law 3894).

"Ukraine is a religiously pluralistic society. In the interest of religious freedom and the rule of law, we pray the Ukrainian Law 3894 is not used to persecute any religious group within Ukraine, which would threaten the religious liberty of millions of its citizens."

Now the Assembly’s president, Abp. Elpidophoros, is blessing the Zelenskyy award. It appears his 2024 statement was as flimsy as the Ukrainian president’s NATO platitudes.

The passing of Law 3894 is just a sliver of what has taken place in Ukraine during Zelenskyy’s tenure. Below is a summary of some of the most alarming events which have transpired, either with the direct participation of his government or with its tacit approval.

Impressment of clergy into the armed forces

In late July, a shocking video began circulating online.