Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will receive the "Beacon of Hope Award" from the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church-National Shrine at a fundraising dinner in Manhattan on September 26. The award recognizes Zelensky's leadership amid the ongoing war with Russia.
Sources indicated that Zelensky is expected to attend the event, which will be held at Cipriani South Street. The venue is located near the site where the St. Nicholas Church was rebuilt after being destroyed during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. "We're looking to honor President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people for their fight and to show solidarity," said Andrew Veniopoulos, Executive Director of the St. Nicholas-National Shrine. He added that enhanced security measures will be in place for the event.
The invitation for the dinner states that Zelensky is a "most worthy recipient who illuminated the path forward in times of great challenge." The St. Nicholas-National Shrine was originally located near the World Trade Center and reopened four years ago in an elevated park overlooking the memorial plaza.
Zelensky has previously been recognized for his actions by other international bodies. In April, he accepted the Four Freedoms Awards on behalf of the Ukrainian people for their courage and resilience. In 2022, he was presented with the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for his efforts to protect democracy.
Veniopoulos noted that honoring President Zelensky aligns with American observances of the nation's 250th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The event will also serve as a fundraiser for the St. Nicholas Shrine.