President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has awarded Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, Second Class, one of the nation’s highest honors, in recognition of his humanitarian efforts and support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The decree (No. 617/2025) was published on the presidential website, and the detailed announcement — citing Graham’s “significant personal contribution to strengthening intergovernmental cooperation, supporting the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, charitable activities, and promoting the Ukrainian state worldwide” — was shared with Christian Daily International.
The presentation took place Aug. 25 during Ukraine’s second National Prayer Breakfast in Kyiv, which gathered more than 1,200 participants including government officials, clergy, international partners, and charitable organizations. Edward Graham, Franklin Graham’s son and chief operating officer of Samaritan’s Purse, also attended, according to organizers.
Graham has been a visible supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Within days of the outbreak of war, Samaritan’s Purse sent disaster response teams to Poland and Romania to aid refugees. The organization has since delivered food, medical supplies, temporary shelter, and deployed field hospitals—all making tangible contributions to alleviating suffering in the conflict zone.
The award follows Graham’s earlier meeting with Zelenskyy in Berlin in May at the European Congress on Evangelism, where he publicly prayed for peace in Ukraine, as previously reported by Christian Daily International. Speaking to thousands of evangelical leaders gathered from across Europe, Graham urged prayer for both Ukrainian and Russian leaders. “Only God can solve this,” he said, asking believers to intercede for an end to the war and for comfort to those who have lost loved ones.
At that congress, Graham emphasized that the church must stand united in prayer during times of crisis and that peace requires divine intervention.
Established in 1995, the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise is conferred in five classes for distinguished service in strengthening the state, advancing international prestige, and promoting humanitarian work.
Another evangelical leader honored at the ceremony was Rev. Elijah Brown, secretary general of the Baptist World Alliance, who received the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, Fifth Class.
