Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, remains a defiant critic of Vladimir Putin. She understands she risks being kidnapped or poisoned, but says she’s not afraid.
Dear Brother Archons and Friends of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate:
Our Athenagoras Human Rights Award banquet was singularly inspiring this year, as the honoree was Yulia Navalnaya. Ms. Navalnaya is the widow of the late Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, a modern-day titan of courage in the defense of human rights. Taking up the mantle from her martyred husband, Ms. Navalnaya is now herself the leader of the Russian opposition to Vladimir Putin’s tyranny.
The evening after the Athenagoras Human Rights Award banquet, Ms. Navalnaya’s heroism and leadership was recognized again. Ms. Navalnaya was featured on CBS’ celebrated 60 Minutes program, where she discusses Alexei Navalny’s struggle for freedom and human dignity against Putin, and how she is continuing that struggle today. Please take the time to watch the 13-minute episode.
Also, Tuesday, October 22 is the official publication date of her martyred husband Alexei Navalny’s book, Patriot: A Memoir, which he began writing shortly after his near-fatal poisoning in 2020. The book includes Alexei’s correspondence from prison, which makes for stunning and inspiring reading that will not only fill you with hope, but with renewed resolve to stand for religious freedom and protect the future of faith against all the forces that would obliterate the light of freedom from the human soul.
Yulia Navalnaya states: “This book is a testament not only to Alexei’s life, but to his unwavering commitment to the fight against dictatorship—a fight he gave everything for, including his life. Through its pages, readers will come to know the man I loved deeply—a man of profound integrity and unyielding courage. Sharing his story will not only honor his memory but also inspire others to stand up for what is right and to never lose sight of the values that truly matter.”
Patriot: A Memoir is already a #1 bestseller. Order your copy here.
Yours in the service of our Holy Mother Church,
Anthony J. Limberakis, MD
Archon Megas Aktouarios
National Commander