ROCOR Bishops Express Concern Over Planned Zelensky Award

NEW YORK — The Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) expressed concern over the planned presentation of the “Beacon of Hope” award to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a September 26 event in New York. The Synod discussed the matter during its September 15 online meeting chaired by Metr. Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of ROCOR. The Synod did not mention Zelensky by name.

"In the course of its discussion on inter-Orthodox relations, the Synod of Bishops drew attention to the confusion among Orthodox Christians in the USA caused by the imminent award of a statesman who actively persecutes the Church of Christ and her faithful," the statement reads.

The “Beacon of Hope” award is scheduled to be presented at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine in New York this weekend.

The Synod called upon the faithful to intensify their prayers for Orthodox Christians in Ukraine and to seek God’s protection for the Church amid the continuing difficulties. The bishops emphasized the need for Christians to place their trust in God during times of trial, specifically pointing to Psalm 36:35-36: “I have seen the wicked flourishing like a cedar of Lebanon; then I passed by, and behold, he was no more, and I sought his place, but it could not be found.”

Participating in the meeting were Metr. Mark of Berlin and Germany, Abp. Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America, Abp. Gabriel of Montreal and Canada, and Bp. Irenei of London and Western Europe, Theodosius of Manhattan, and Job of Stuttgart. Bp. Irenei, who serves as secretary for inter-Orthodox relations, presented a report on developments in the Orthodox world, including the situation surrounding the planned award ceremony.

Previously, the UOJ reported that St. Nicholas Shrine held a 9/11 memorial service 25 years after the attacks.