ROCOR Synod responds to upcoming award ceremomy for Zelensky in U.S.
The Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), chaired by Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, expressed concern over unease among Orthodox Christians in the United States surrounding the planned honoring of a political leader whom the Synod accused of persecuting the Church. The Synod met remotely on September 15, 2026.
During a discussion of inter-Orthodox relations, Synod Secretary Bishop Irenei presented a report on current developments in the Orthodox world. The bishops paid particular attention to what they described as concern among Orthodox Christians in America over plans by representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to present an award to a political leader whom they hold responsible for persecution of believers.
In response, the ROCOR hierarchs called on the faithful to intensify their prayers. “The Synod of Bishops of the Russian Church Abroad asks its children to increase their prayers for the strengthening of the faith of Orthodox Christians, as prescribed at the end of Matins. As for the persecutors of the Church of Christ and the People of God, the Prophet said long ago: ‘I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.’”
The Synod members stressed that unlawful actions against the Christian community are temporary. “Thus will the memory of the lawless be erased from the hearts of men, while the Church of Christ will stand forever,” the ROCOR bishops stated.
Earlier, the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine in New York announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would be honored with the Beacon of Hope Award at its September 26 gala. Organizers described Zelensky as “a most worthy recipient who illuminates the path forward in times of great challenge.”
As the UOJ reported, a petition has called on the St. Nicholas Shrine in New York to cancel the dinner honoring Zelensky.
