Kateryna Yushchenko Decorated by Pope with Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal

30 June 2009

Head of the Supervisory Board of the Ukraine 3000 International Charitable Foundation Kateryna Yushchenko was decorated with Pro ecclesia et pontifice medal by the Pope.

The ceremony took place June 29, 2009, at the Ukrainian Institute of America in New York. The high award was bestowed upon Mrs. Yushchenko on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI by Rev. George Appleyard. In this way the Holy See celebrated high achievements by Mrs. Kateryna and the Ukraine 3000 Foundation she runs in the humanitarian field.

“This award is a great honor for the Ukraine 3000 Foundation and for myself,” Mrs. Yushchenko said. “I am certain that it is a recognition of not only my work but Ukrainr’s success in the sphere of philanthropy.” Mrs. Kateryna said that in the last years the traditions of charity hade been revived in Ukraine, with many public and private initiatives been introduced.

Mrs. Yushchenko also described the Ukraine 3000 Foundation’s work. “We try to embrace with our support as many people as possible. Because, as Apostle James said, “as the body without works is dead, so is faith dead without works.'' Mrs. Kateryna presented the Foundation’s attainments in the fields of children’s medicine, education, involving children and young people in community services, speaking in more detail about Hospital to Hospital, Doing Good Starts with You, and Dreams Come True programs.

Also present at the event were Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States Oleh Shamshur, Consul General of Ukraine in New York Mykola Kyrychenko, Permanent Representative of Ukraine at the United Nations Yuri Sergeyev, and members of the New York Ukrainian community.

The Pro ecclesia et pontifice ("For Church and Pope") medal, also known as the "Cross of Honor," is an award by the Rome Catholic Church, founded in 1888 by Pope Leo XIII. It is currently given for active community service and charitable activities and distinguished service to the church by lay people and clergy.