New York City - September 23, 2024, His Eminence Greek Orthodox Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, as well as Armenian Orthodox Humanitarian Marta Batmasian were honored at the 59th Annual Appeal of Conscience Awards Gala at the renown Pierre Hotel in New York City. The Appeal of Conscience Foundation is an interfaith organization dedicated to religious freedom and human rights.

The Appeal of Conscience Award is presented to visionary religious leaders and business leaders with a sense of social responsibility who use their resources and vast reach to better serve the global community, including The Honorable John Negroponte. Prominent Greek American businessman John Catsimatidis, Chair of the 59th Awards Dinner and Board Member of the Foundation, emphasized that it has “never been more important…to stand together to promote unity, justice and peace through interfaith dialogue and cooperation.”

His Grace Bishop Irinej of Washington-New York and Eastern America, was present as an Honorary Co-chair of the 2024 Awards Banquet and long time coworker and supporter of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation.

Faith leaders from various traditions, both present and virtually presented, included Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Secretary of the State of the Vatican), who extended greetings from Pope Francis, and Papal Nuncio Gabriele Caccia; Armenian Orthodox Legate to the Vatican, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and Bishop
Mesrob Parsamyan; together with Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and the Reverend Fred R. Anderson, among others.

His Excellency Vladimir Bozovic, Consul General of Serbia in New York City, together with other representatives of the Serbian-American community were present.

Special tribute was offered to recently departed supporters and awardees of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, including Ambassador Budimir Loncar, a highly respected member of the Serbian Diplomatic Corps.

The Appeal of Conscience Foundation, under the leadership of Rabbi Arthur Schneier, has worked worldwide on behalf of religious freedom, human rights, peace and tolerance since 1965. An interfaith coalition of business, religious and foreign policy leaders, this international organization promotes mutual understanding, peace and interreligious cooperation and provides a voice of conscience to protect minorities.

The highly influential and respected Rabbi Arthur Schneier and the Appeal of Conscience Foundation have been of crucial assistance in proactively fostering dialogue with the Patriarch Pavle and other religious leaders in the Balkans by promoting mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.