The St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church-National Shrine is honoring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with its “Beacon of Hope Award” at a Manhattan event in September.
Zelensky will attend the Sept. 26 dinner at Cipriani South Street — near where the church was raised from the ashes after being destroyed on 9/11, sources said.
The invitation said Zelensky is a “most worthy recipient who illuminated the path forward in times of great challenge,” leading his country’s defense in its war with Russia.
Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, and the horrific war is still ongoing.
In April, Zelenskyy accepted the Four Freedoms Awards from Prime Minister of the Netherlands Rob Jetten on behalf of the Ukrainian people for showing courage and resilience in the fight for freedom.
He also received John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation in 2022 for acting to protect democracy.
Zelensky was an ideal choice for the St. Nicholas award as Americans celebrate their nation’s 250th anniversary and recognize the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, said St. Nicholas-National Shrine Executive Director Andrew Veniopoulos.
“We’re looking to honor President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people for their fight and to show solidarity,” Veniopoulos said.
He said there will be added security for an event involving a leader of a foreign country.
Saint Nicholas Church was located around the World Trade Center when 9/11 struck.
The Greek Orthodox church reopened four years ago in an elevated park overlooking the World Trade Center’s memorial plaza.
The event is also a fundraiser for the St. Nicholas Shrine.
