Volodymyr Zelensky committed an unprecedented insult against Hellenism and the diaspora, as he refused to attend the award ceremony arranged for him by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and Patriarch Bartholomew on September 27 at the Saint Nicholas Church in New York, while at the same time, the Greek national anthem was conspicuously absent during the ceremony, as reported on September 28 by the National Herald. Specifically, an event with a strong Ukrainian tone took place at Saint Nicholas at Ground Zero on September 27, with Volodymyr Zelensky at the center of the ceremony and subsequently the center of criticism, since he chose not to be in New York.
The Ukrainian president was honored by the Saint Nicholas National Shrine with the "Lighthouse of Hope" award, yet did not attend the event. According to reports from Greek diaspora media, the organizers had been informed well in advance that Zelensky would not travel to the US, without, according to the same source, relevant notification being provided to ticket holders, many of whom expected to see him in person. Instead, the distinction was accepted on behalf of the Ukrainian president by the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN, Andrii Melnyk. During his remarks, he stated that Zelensky wished to be present in person at the ceremony, but military developments in Ukraine made his attendance impossible.
National anthems of Ukraine and the US played, but not Greece
Special reactions were also triggered by the selection of the ceremony's musical program. The event began with the parade of flags, presented by members of the New York Fire Department, the New York Police, and the Port Authority. Next, the national anthems of Ukraine and the United States were performed. However, the Greek national anthem was absent.
This specific choice was heavily commented on by attendees, given that the ceremony was held at Saint Nicholas at Ground Zero, a church carrying strong symbolism for the Greek-American community and a history linked to the presence of Greek expats in New York. "Greek immigrants built the church starting in 1915," one participant reportedly commented, expressing frustration over the absence of the Greek anthem from the program.
Zelensky addressed the event... via video message
Despite his absence from New York, Zelensky delivered a message to the event via a pre-recorded video. In his address, he expressed gratitude for the presentation of the "Lighthouse of Hope" and focused on the necessity of continuing international support for Ukraine.
He made special reference to strengthening Ukrainian air defense systems and the urgent need for additional Patriot batteries. "Hope does not grow on its own," he characteristically stated, emphasizing that Ukraine needs continuous support and, as he argued, "enough pressure on Russia" to enable a "real and just peace."
Bartholomew's message and reference to Ukraine
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew also contributed to the event via a message broadcast from the Phanar. The Patriarch drew a symbolic parallel between the Phanar and Ground Zero, characterizing them as two "lighthouses," while expressing his solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
"The Church will not abandon you," he stated, connecting this position with the necessity for a "genuine, just, and lasting peace." At the same time, he emphasized that such a peace presupposes respect for Ukraine's right to decide its own path and future trajectory.
"There is no Third Rome"
Michael Psaros, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Shrine, also referred to Ukraine and its Autocephalous Church. During his speech, he repeated the phrase "There is no Third Rome" twice, in a clear reference to the ecclesiastical and geopolitical issue surrounding Ukraine and Russia.
The ceremony concluded with an address by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. The Archbishop linked the military conflict in Ukraine with the broader issue of protecting free societies.
Angry protest with Russian color
Prior to the start of the event, a small protest took place. Approximately ten people, carrying Russian flags, gathered outside the ceremony venue and chanted slogans against Zelensky and Ukraine. The demonstration remained limited in scale and number of participants.
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