The ceremony took place on Sunday at the Lviv Opera House, with Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church presenting the award.
The prize, named after the Ukrainian priest known as the "Pastor of Majdanek," honours those who show courage and compassion.
Father Stefan Batruch, a member of the award committee, said Awangarda exemplifies Polish-Ukrainian solidarity, providing medical aid alongside Ukrainian colleagues under dangerous conditions.
Founder Katarzyna Daniszewska said the team began its work just two months after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
"Our motto has always been 'so others may live’. This award is for all those who save lives," she said.
Other recipients included American writer George Weigel, UN Peace Ambassador Patrick Kelly, Ukrainian Nobel laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk and Natalia Tarabalka, who runs a rehabilitation centre for soldiers and families after losing her son in combat.
Father Emilian Kovch, the award’s namesake, helped persecuted people during World War II, secretly ministering in the Nazi German Majdanek concentration camp before his death in 1944.
He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2001.
(ał)
Source: PAP