Zelenskyy accepted the Beacon of Hope Award by video at the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine's annual dinner in Manhattan, thanking the congregation and urging continued support for Ukraine amid the more-than-four-year war. Speakers including Archbishop Elpidophoros framed hope as a moral responsibility and expressed solidarity with Ukrainian families. The event also recalled the Shrine's history: founded in 1916, its original Downtown site was destroyed on Sept. 11 and the rebuilt church was consecrated near the World Trade Center in 2022.
Saint Nicholas Shrine Honors Zelenskyy With Beacon Of Hope Award, Urges Continued Support for Ukraine
Tetiana Dzhafarova, Pool via AP, FILE - PHOTO: In this Feb. 19, 2025, file photo, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gives a press conference in Kyiv.
One of the United States' oldest Greek Orthodox congregations honored Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine for their steadfast defense during the more-than-four-year war that began with Russia's invasion.
Event Highlights
Zelenskyy appeared via video at the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center's annual Beacon of Hope Dinner in Manhattan on Saturday. He accepted the Beacon of Hope Award on behalf of himself and the Ukrainian people, telling attendees he was humbled by the recognition and urging continued support.
"Keep caring, keep helping where your support is needed," Zelenskyy said. "We need you to believe in yourself, to believe in the strength of America and of the free world. Ukraine stands because our people are very brave, and their courage is stronger because your strength is with us. This is how it must be until the day we reach peace. We have to get there."
Messages of Solidarity
Speakers at the dinner voiced solidarity with Ukrainian families and communities affected by the ongoing conflict with Russia and urged sustained moral and practical support. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America framed hope as a moral duty and called on attendees to defend the dignity of those who suffer.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky looks on as he meets with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 22, 2026.
"Hope is a sacred responsibility. It calls us to stand beside those who suffer, to defend the dignity of every human person, and to work without ceasing for peace," Archbishop Elpidophoros said. "In honoring the brave people of Ukraine and their heroic president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, we embrace all who carry the burden of defending their homeland against a brutal invasion."
History And Resilience
The dinner coincided with a somber anniversary for the New York congregation, which was founded in 1916 by Greek immigrants. The church's original Downtown Manhattan location was destroyed in the Sept. 11 attacks 25 years ago; a new St. Nicholas was built near the World Trade Center Museum and Memorial and consecrated in 2022.
Michael Psaros, vice-chairman of the St. Nicholas National Shrine Board of Trustees, said the heroism shown by Ukrainians and their president reflects the spirit of the National Shrine: a place where faith, resilience and the enduring light of hope stand as witness to the world.
The Beacon of Hope Dinner blended commemoration of the Shrine's history with a message of international solidarity, highlighting the role of faith communities in rallying support for civilians affected by war.
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