Archdiocese of America: Cardinal Dolan accepts Athenagoras award as Archons pray for Pope Leo

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop emeritus of New York, received the 2026 Athenagoras Human Rights Award from the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the organization’s annual banquet at the New York Hilton Midtown. The evening opened with a prayer for the recovery of Pope Leo XIV by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.

The black-tie dinner closed the annual Archon Weekend. It brought together Greek Orthodox hierarchs, Archons of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle and leaders from government, the judiciary and the Catholic Church to honor a man Orthodox leaders have long called a friend.

Archbishop Elpidophoros entered the ballroom in procession with Cardinal Dolan. Archon National Commander Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis escorted them. After the U.S. and Greek national anthems, Archbishop Elpidophoros led the invocation.

He began by asking the guests to remember the pope “with special and heartfelt petitions.” He prayed that Pope Leo, “whose goodness and piety is manifest to all the world,” would “enjoy his speedy recovery, good health and length of days.”

He asked God to bestow “full healing and vigorous health” upon the pope, “that he may…