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Petition Urges St. Nicholas Shrine to Rescind Zelensky Award
Orthodox opponents are pressing the New York church and national shrine to reverse its decision to honor the Ukrainian president before September's Beacon of Hope ceremony.
NEW YORK — A petition urging St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine to withdraw its decision to honor Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with its 2026 Beacon of Hope Award has begun circulating online, drawing support from Orthodox Christians who object to the selection. The award is scheduled to be presented Sept. 26 during the church’s second annual Beacon of Hope Dinner at Casa Cipriani, held during United Nations General Assembly Week.
The petition is accompanied by a letter from Orthodox Christian Cassandra St. John addressed to the church’s Board of Trustees. The letter argues that Zelensky should not receive an award recognizing moral leadership, alleging that his government has curtailed political freedoms and undertaken actions against the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). It calls on church leaders to rescind the award and choose another recipient.
According to the petition, Zelensky’s administration has persecuted the UOC, including through the seizure of church properties, arrests of clergy and parishioners, and the conscription of Orthodox priests into military service. Organizers argue that honoring the Ukrainian president would be offensive to Orthodox Christians whose jurisdictions commemorate Metr. Onuphry and the faithful of the UOC during the Divine Liturgy.
Each signature automatically sends the petition to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops, and the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Organizers say a final copy containing all signatures will be delivered before the September awards dinner.
The St. Nicholas National Shrine has said the Beacon of Hope Award honors individuals whose leadership demonstrates courage, resilience, and moral clarity. In announcing Zelensky as this year's recipient, it said his defense of freedom and human dignity has inspired millions around the world.
At the time of publication, the petition has more than 300 signatures.
Previously, the UOJ reported that St. Nicholas Shrine hosted its annual Juneteenth Ecumenical Prayer Service.
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