July 27th, 2026
To the Trustees of St. Nicholas Church and National Shrine:
Christ is in our midst!
However, I am writing to protest your decision to honor Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine as the 2026 “Beacon of Hope.” Zelensky is a divisive, dishonorable character, unworthy of any award.
As an American with multigenerational American roots, I would likewise object to honoring any other autocrat on the planet.
The dictator Zelensky is ruling Ukraine as a police state, having suspended elections, silenced critics, and censored the media. His government has violently seized and repurposed more than 1,000 Ukrainian Orthodox Church properties, has beaten and arrested clerics and parishioners, and has committed countless human rights violations. This is only an abbreviated list of his thuggery; a full accounting would take pages.
Why would you even associate with Zelensky? Aren’t you invoking a potential PR crisis?
I object to your using an Orthodox organization and an awards dinner to promote militarism and to score geopolitical points. And I urge you to rescind the Zelensky award and to choose a worthy non-political honoree.
Sincerely,
Cassandra St. John, an Orthodox Christian
If you would like to join Cassandra in objecting to honor being bestowed on a dictator and persecutor of canonical Orthodoxy, please sign the petition below. Each time the petition is signed, an email with the petition text will be sent to info@stnicholaswtc.org, info@goarch.org, archdiocese@goarch.org, communications@assemblyofbishops.org, and info@archons.org. Further, prior to the event, a final copy with all signatures attached will be delivered to the Assembly of Orthodox Bishops, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the Board of Trustees, and the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Even if we get tens of thousands of signatures, will they cancel the event? Of course not, but a protest of the event makes for bad PR, and optics are an obsession for Constantinople. American Orthodox Christians, and others who care about Ukraine, have to challenge the narrative of widespread support for Zelensky. Otherwise, Constantinople will continue its narrative that Zelensky, and his persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, are popular among Orthodox Christians. American Orthodox need to be very clear before God and the world: this is not done in our name. Non-Orthodox are welcome to sign as well! Orthodox jurisdiction is optional. Leave blank if not applicable.
Silence equals assent.
Petition Text:
“I object to the Board of Trustees of the St. Nicholas Church and National Shrine bestowing an award on Zelensky, the dictator of Ukraine. Zelensky is not a democratically elected head of state. He has cancelled elections, shut down his opposition, and engaged in brutal repression. He and his government have actively persecuted the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church, even to the point of forcibly conscripting canonical Orthodox priests into the Ukrainian Army. Many American Orthodox belong to jurisdictions that actively pray, each Divine Liturgy, for Metropolitan Onuphry, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and the Ukrainian people. Honoring Zelenksy in this manner is a direct slap in the face to all Orthodox jurisdictions in North America that recognize the UOC as the canonical Church in Ukraine. It is also a rejection of God, Whose Church is under attack, and Whose beloved Ukrainian people deserve peace and honest government. In shame and repentance, you should cancel this event. I doubt you will. However, know that American Orthodox have rejected your actions honoring this man with Christian blood on his hands. This is not done in our name. The Trustees and other officials of the Greek Archdiocese will answer alone for their actions before the Dread Judgement Seat of Christ. Amen.
In Christ,
(Your name will be displayed in the email)”
Additional Suggestions
So we are flooding some inboxes with each signed petition, but there is more you can do (besides sharing the petition):
Visit the website dedicated to saving the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Let St. Nicholas Trustees hear from you on Social Media: X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube





Something along these lines, Sept. 26, NYC. Start organizing yourselves!
https://www.rferl.org/a/serbia-orthodox-christians-march-against-europride-lgbt/32008715.html
The “Beacon of Hope” Award:
Duck Search Assistant:
In Freemasonry, the phrase “beacon of hope” symbolizes guidance and inspiration, often representing the light of knowledge and moral integrity that Masons strive to embody in their lives. This concept aligns with the Masonic belief in the importance of hope and perseverance throughout one’s journey.
The other donor designations in the Zelensky invitation:
$100,000 Guardian of Hope & $50,000 Anchor of Hope
Duck Search Assistant: In Freemasonry, the anchor is often regarded as the symbol of hope, representing stability and a firm foundation in one’s beliefs. It signifies the importance of holding onto hope and trusting in a higher power during life’s challenges.
$3,500 Bearer of Light
Isaiah 14:12-14: Lucifer the fallen angel (Satan)
Lucifer means “light-bringing” in Latin. Christian award ceremonies do not refer to, laud, or aspire to that eponym.
Isaiah 14:12-14 (NKJV):
“How you are fallen from heaven,
O Lucifer, son of the morning!
How you are cut down to the ground,
You who weakened the nations!
For you have said in your heart:
‘I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
I will also sit on the mount of the congregation
On the farthest sides of the north;
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,
I will be like the Most High.’”
Regarding the “Light of the World” donor designation in the Zelensky invitation:
Duck Search Assistant:
The phrase “light of the world” in Freemasonry symbolizes enlightenment, truth, and spiritual wisdom, reflecting the Masonic pursuit of moral and intellectual illumination. It is rooted in the broader Masonic emphasis on “light” as a metaphor for knowledge and divine understanding.
Clip:
https://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/28010171
Google translation:
New Yorkers protest Zelenskyy’s award ceremony at an Orthodox church
Petition authors call for the cancellation of the ceremony honoring the “dictator”
NEW YORK, August 13. /TASS/. A petition has been launched in the United States calling for the reversal of the decision to present Volodymyr Zelenskyy with the Beacon of Hope Award at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in New York, according to the Orthodox Reflections portal.
The petitioners called on the church’s board of trustees to cancel the ceremony honoring “dictator Zelenskyy,” stating that they consider him unsuitable for the award. The petition also calls for appeals to the church’s leadership, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and several Orthodox organizations demanding the cancellation of the ceremony.
The petitioners point out that “Zelenskyy is running Ukraine like a police state: he has suspended elections, silenced critics, and censored the media.” The petition also recalls that Ukrainian authorities have forcibly seized and converted more than 1,000 Ukrainian Orthodox Church properties, subjected clergy and parishioners to beatings and arrests, and committed numerous human rights violations.
The petition is posted on the Orthodox Reflections website and is not an official petition mechanism of the US government, so there is no required number of signatures for its consideration. At the time of publication, the petition had collected over 1,000 signatures. The authors intend to submit the final document to the trustees of St. Nicholas Church, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and other Orthodox organizations.
Earlier, the New York Post reported that Zelenskyy is scheduled to receive the Beacon of Hope Award at a gala evening at St. Nicholas Church, located near the World Trade Center memorial site in New York City.
Clip:
https://www.gazeta.ru/social/news/2026/08/13/29099539.shtml
Google translation:
The US has protested Zelenskyy’s award ceremony at an Orthodox church.
A petition has been launched in New York City against Zelenskyy’s award ceremony at a church.
Oleksiy Pochtaruk
A petition has been launched in the US demanding the cancellation of the Beacon of Hope award ceremony for Volodymyr Zelenskyy, scheduled for the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in New York City. This was reported by the Orthodox Reflections Telegram channel.
The petitioners are asking the church’s board of trustees to cancel the event honoring the Ukrainian leader, calling his candidacy unsuitable. They also call for complaints to be filed with the church’s leadership, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and other relevant organizations seeking the cancellation of the event.
In support of their position, the petitioners argue that under Zelenskyy, a “police state” has been established in Ukraine, characterized by the suspension of elections, media censorship, and the suppression of criticism. The document also alleges human rights violations and harassment of representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, including the confiscation of church property and the detention of clergy.
This petition, published on Orthodox Reflections, is not an official US government instrument and therefore has no established signature threshold for review. Currently, the petition has collected over a thousand signatures. The final document is planned to be sent to the church trustees and the leadership of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Earlier, a Ukrainian military officer returned Zelenskyy’s only state award because of Syrsky.
Clip from Greek blog:
“Americans collect signatures against awarding Volodymyr Zelensky”
https://choratouaxoritou.com/?p=5304
Clip:
https://orthodoxhouse.com/article/petition-urges-greek-orthodox-archdiocese-of-america-to-cancel-zelensk
Clip:
Petition urges Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to cancel Zelensky award event in NYC
https://www.bankingnews.gr/diethni/articles/893620/petition-urges-greek-orthodox-archdiocese-of-america-to-cancel-zelensky-award-event-in-nyc
1.64 million Eastern Orthodox Christians in America, according to this 2024 piece:
https://www.orthodoxhistory.org/2024/12/03/how-many-orthodox-christians-are-in-america/
Members of GOARCH American parishes:
If you believe in religious freedom.
If you agree that someone more deserving than Zelensky should receive the award.
Please spread this message and share our petition. Thank you.
Professional video of the 2025 dinner:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETws29HDPa4
Clip:
New Yorkers Collect Over 1,000 Signatures Against Dinner Honoring Zelensky – Petition
https://www.nampa.org/text/22990485
Clip:
New Yorkers are collecting signatures against holding a dinner in honor of Zelensky and awarding him the Lighthouse of Hope award from the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas
https://news-pravda.com/world/2026/08/13/2512695.html
Canonical religious freedom or money ?????
Why are pro-bono bloggers and Mr. Gianakos leading the charge against the Zelensky dinner?
Where are the American Orthodox luminaries? The priests and commentators with large followings? The professors, artists, and authors? The YouTubers and experts who grant interviews and speak at conferences?
With the Zelensky dinner, the war against the Orthodox Church is on their shores. Exactly what type of flashpoint are they awaiting, before they deign to speak up loudly and persistently against the religious repression funded by their own government?
If you are Orthodox, the Zelensky dinner is your problem. Period.
If you’re an “influencer,” where are you?
Dropping soon. We got one at least. https://x.com/i/status/2088504325991784919
Good.
We don’t need them !
“In judgement I come into this world, so the Blind can see, and those who can see will go Blind”— John 9:39
God will not be satisfied with just the “exorcism” of the heretic leaders of Goarch ,but the heretic religious leaders of the United States government… Period!
And he lets us see ..that are all going to go blind ..if you haven’t noticed!
Take or send copy of the criminal complaint and just fill in the name of your local representative.. as I have done….
Republican Congressman Tom Kean Jr. of New Jersey now joins the State Department and officials of both parties in the criminal complaint because, despite receiving a 2023 petition documenting alleged persecution of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church, he took no action to condemn the abuses and continued voting to fund the Zelensky government.
After receiving notice, he allegedly tried to mislead constituents by appearing with Volodymyr Zelensky in front of St. Michael’s Cathedral, a church allegedly banned or targeted by the Ukrainian government. By ignoring the documented persecution and using religious imagery to sanitize a foreign leader accused of repression, he is alleged to have aligned himself with the same political‑religious network at the center of the complaint against GOARCH and the State Department.
Thank you, Tribulation Saints.
Full video with its accompanying sources (h/t Orthodox Reflections):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csuAfPAkeak
PETITION:
https://orthodoxreflections.com/petit…
SOURCES & DOCUMENTATION:
Primary Documentation
UN Special Procedures communication on UOC — https://spcommreports.ohchr.org/TMRes…
Human Rights Watch, Oct 2024 — https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/10/30/u…
Constantinople’s Oct 11, 2018 decision — https://ec-patr.org/en/announcement-1…
Albania’s statement on the Ukrainian ecclesiastical issue — https://orthodoxalbania.org/2020/en/2…
State Dept statement on Ukrainian autocephaly — https://2017-2021.state.gov/declarati…
Archons — Pompeo Athenagoras Award — https://archons.org/pompeo-athenagora…
1951 State Dept memo, US consul–Athenagoras conversation — https://orthodoxhistory.org/wp-conten…
Reporting
The American Conservative, “The CIA’s Man in Constantinople” — https://www.theamericanconservative.c…
Orthodox Reflections — federal complaint article — https://orthodoxreflections.com/why-i…
Orthodox Reflections — “Why the Ukraine Schism Matters” — https://orthodoxreflections.com/why-t…
God is working his magic , while the Great deceivers uses the Original church of Christ to promote the honoring of the Devil and his court, God uses them as the lightening rod to begin the exorcism of all those attending and suporting this event, and make the blind see who is destroying his world , not their
“In judgement I come into this world, so the Blind can see, and those who can see will go Blind”— John 9:39
God will not be satisfied with just the “exorcism” of the heretic leaders of Goarch , but the heretic religious leaders of the United States government and Greek and American media ..
And he lets us see .. who will be blinded forever in working for the Great deceivers…
You argue that Greek‑American and American media — The National Herald, Cosmos Philly, Hellenic News of America, and U.S. outlets like Hoodline —have practiced malicious journalism by celebrating the Archdiocese’s honor of Zelensky while hiding the persecution and displacement of Orthodox Christians in Ukraine, Cyprus, Gaza, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and the Middle East. In your view, these outlets shielded the U.S., Britain, Turkey, and Greece from scrutiny, even though these governments supported or enabled the very forces responsible for Orthodox suffering. You argue that they glorified political allies while ignoring Cyprus’s abandonment, Ukraine’s church persecutions, and the devastation of Christian communities across the region of the Middle East in Gaza, Palestine , Lebanon, Syria, and most of the Middle East and in fact Europe , who are ethnically and religiously cleansing Russian Orthodox Citizens ,government official , and enterprises from Europe …— proving, in your perspective, that these media outlets serve as protective propaganda, not defenders of the Orthodox faithful. And that is why they are cited as being part of the Criminal Complaint .. We don’t need them …we have to go to Church Boards, Congressional offices, and provide copy of the criminal complaint . The worst nightmare for the U.S government is this Zelensky honor, because their complicity , which they have with the media censored , is the smoking gun ..which destroys and make myth of all their criminal wars as humanitarian and protecting the Human and religious right of Christians, and turns them into acts of Terrorism!
Thank you, Tribulation Saints.
Link to full video, with its accompanying sources, including Orthodox Reflections:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csuAfPAkeak
Comment below the video:
@scoopydoh
1 day ago
I just shared the petition against this yesterday with my parish. They were all on board.
I suggest to do the same in other parishes, with humility. It gets a meaningful conversation going and gives you a chance to get to know your brothers and sisters.
[…] ΔΗΛΩΣΗ ΓΙΝΕΤΑΙ ΕΔΩ. (Orthodox […]
Headline from the Greek blog The Doors The Doors:
“Americans collect signatures against awarding Volodymyr Zelensky.”
Includes Greek translation of the letter and petition text.
https://tasthyras.wordpress.com/2026/08/13/%ce%b1%ce%bc%ce%b5%cf%81%ce%b9%ce%ba%ce%b1%ce%bd%ce%bf%ce%af-%cf%83%cf%85%ce%bb%ce%bb%ce%ad%ce%b3%ce%bf%cf%85%ce%bd-%cf%85%cf%80%ce%bf%ce%b3%cf%81%ce%b1%cf%86%ce%ad%cf%82-%ce%b5%ce%bd%ce%ac%ce%bd/
Sign the petition, and then follow up with a phone call.
Here are phone numbers. Deliver a brief, polite message to whomever answers the phone: “I am calling to let the archbishop, trustees, and archons know that I oppose their September dinner for Mr. Zelensky of Ukraine. Thank you.”
Office of the Archbishop: 212-570-3511
St. Nicholas Church & National Shrine: 212-227-0773
Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate: 212-570-3550
“WAR is a racket. It always has been. It is possibly the oldest, easily the most profitable, surely the most vicious. It is the only one international in scope. It is the only one in which the profits are reckoned in dollars and the losses in lives.” -Smedley Butler, War Is a Racket
Mhm, right, gotcha.
Ecumenical Patriarch: “There Has Never Been, Nor Will There Ever Be, A ‘Holy War’”
https://archons.org/persecution/ecumenical-patriarch-holy-war/