Yulia Navalnaya was awarded the Athenagoras Human Rights Award in New York, recognizing her leadership in the Russian opposition and her late husband’s legacy. The event raised $700,000 for human rights while highlighting the battle against tyranny. Key figures commended Navalnaya’s bravery, focusing on her pivotal role in advocating for freedom and ethical governance.
On October 19, 2024, Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Alexei Navalny, was honored with the Athenagoras Human Rights Award at a prestigious banquet hosted by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros and Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis in New York City. The event celebrated Navalnaya’s bravery and her role as a leading figure in the Russian opposition against tyrannical rule, attended by over 600 guests. His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew praised Navalnaya for her relentless commitment to human rights and for being a voice for the voiceless. In a touching message, Archbishop Elpidophoros acknowledged the courage of both Yulia and her husband, highlighting their dedication to truth and love in the fight for freedom. The evening raised $700,000 for human rights efforts, reflecting the strong communal spirit of the attendees. As master of ceremonies, Hon. B. Theodore Bozonelis expressed how Navalnaya symbolizes the universal desire for freedom and dignity. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Serge Schmemann emphasized the frightening return of tyranny under current Russian leadership. Dr. Limberakis delivered a stirring tribute to Navalnaya, recalling Alexei’s courage in returning to Russia despite the dangers. He described their unwavering fight for a democratic nation, free from corruption, contrasting it with Greece’s esteemed democratic heritage. Navalny’s legacy, as articulated by Limberakis, challenges all to take a stand against evil. Yulia Navalnaya expressed gratitude for the honor and pledged to continue her husband’s fight for justice and morality, sharing moving personal anecdotes from his imprisonment. She illustrated that despite the oppressive regime, hope remains alive within the oppressed people. Ultimately, Archbishop Elpidophoros emphasized the importance of truth in overcoming tyranny, encouraging persistent efforts toward justice and righteousness. The Athenagoras Human Rights Award, established in 1986, honors those who uphold peace and human rights, celebrating a long tradition of social advocacy.
The Athenagoras Human Rights Award is a prestigious recognition established to honor individuals committed to promoting peace and human rights, named after the visionary leader Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras. The award aims to echo the importance of collective memory and responsibility towards all individuals enduring oppression. By celebrating the courage of figures like Yulia Navalnaya, the AEP underscores the significant role of leaders who advocate for justice and ethical governance in the face of authoritarianism.
Yulia Navalnaya’s receipt of the Athenagoras Human Rights Award stands as a powerful reaffirmation of the quest for human rights amid tyranny. The event not only raised substantial funds for the cause but also united voices against oppression and celebrated the indomitable spirit of those fighting for freedom. Navalnaya’s pledge to uphold moral principles and seek justice remains a beacon of hope for many.
Original Source: archons.org
