The Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia has protested the planned awarding of an honor to Vladimir Zelenskyy in the United States

The Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCO) issued an official statement regarding the upcoming honors to be bestowed upon Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the United States. The hierarchs expressed deep concern over the actions of representatives of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, who plan to present the politician with the “Beacon of Hope” award.

During a meeting chaired by Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, members of the Synod emphasized that such initiatives cause serious consternation among Orthodox believers in the U.S. The clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) emphasized that the politician being honored bears responsibility for the persecution of believers and the Church, which makes such an honor inappropriate in the eyes of the Orthodox community.

In response to the situation, the hierarchs called on the faithful to intensify their prayer life. In an official statement, the Synod urged believers to pray for the strengthening of their faith and steadfastness in the face of trials. The bishops also reminded the faithful of the temporary nature of any persecution of the Church, emphasizing that “the memory of the lawless” will fade with time, while the Church of Christ will remain unshaken.

It should be recalled that earlier, representatives of St. Nicholas Church in New York, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Phanar, announced a gala dinner at which Zelenskyy was to receive an award as a “most deserving laureate.” This decision sparked a wave of criticism and public calls to cancel the event.