US Senator Menendez receives honorary citizenship and church honor in Cyprus

The City of Paphos announced on Monday that it will bestow the title of Honorary Citizen upon US Senator Robert Menendez in a special ceremony scheduled for Friday. The event, taking place at the Paphos Municipal Hall, will recognize Senator Menendez's exceptional contributions.

The ceremony is set to commence at 6:00 p.m. on August 25th and will be preceded by a visit from Senator Menendez to the ongoing construction facilities of the American University in the city. The Mayor of Paphos and the University's Rector will accompany the US Senator during this visit.

The City Council decision, dated December 22, 2022, mandates the presentation of this distinction to Senator Menendez, who chairs the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The Municipality's announcement delves into the rationale behind this choice, citing Senator Menendez's sustained efforts in upholding and advocating for international law, freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law as universal principles. Additionally, his unwavering support for resolving the Cyprus Problem and restoring basic human rights garners recognition from the City Council.

Senator Menendez is also lauded for shaping and endorsing a vision of peaceful coexistence, cooperation, and security in the Eastern Mediterranean, based on international law. His commitment to supporting the vulnerable and championing justice is highlighted, especially during critical global moments.

The City emphasizes that this distinction underlines Senator Menendez's substantial contributions to Hellenism and positions him as a genuine philhellene. The ceremony, accessible to the public, will be live-streamed on various Social Media platforms.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the Church of Cyprus announced that it will award the US Senator the Gold Medal of Apostle Varnavas "for his contribution to the struggle of the Greek Cypriots for justice and liberty".

This award ceremony will take place on Thursday, August 24, at 19:00, in the Archbishopric in Nicosia, where the Archbishop of Cyprus, Georgios, will award Senator Menendez with the Gold Medal of Apostle Varnavas, the highest honor for the Church of Cyprus, the Archbishopric said in a press release.

[Information sourced from CNA]