October 18, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
McLean, VA – On Saturday, October 18, 2025, 70th Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will receive the 2025 Athenagoras Human Rights Award from the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (AEP) in recognition of his leadership in championing religious liberty and human rights.
Bestowed with the blessings of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the approval of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the award will be presented at agala event in New York City.
"I am deeply humbled by this extraordinary honor, named for Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras– a true champion of freedom," said Secretary Pompeo. "From the Chinese Communist Party’s war on faith, to the persecution and murder of Christians in Nigeria, religious freedom is under attack worldwide. I’m grateful to the AEP for their noble work championing this critical issue, both on behalf of members of their own church for all peoples who seek to worship freely."
Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the AEP, stated: “Secretary Pompeo has consistently demonstrated a heartfelt and deeply informed concern for the rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and all of the religious minorities in Turkey, as well for the plight of all those around the world who have suffered for exercising their freedom of conscience...
“Throughout his lifetime of public service, Secretary Pompeo has been a staunch and steadfast defender of human rights, and is thus a richly deserving recipient of the Athenagoras Human Rights Award."
The Athenagoras Human Rights Award, established in 1986, honors the legacy of Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras, who dedicated his life to fostering peace among churches and peoples worldwide. Previous recipients include Mother Teresa of Calcutta, President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush, and Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel.