On the occasion of German Unity Day, German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier honored 21 individuals with the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. Among the recipients is Angelina Burdyk (also referred to as Angela Burdyk), a member of the Dresden-Adventhaus Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The Federal Office of the President announced the honors in a press release, and the Dresden-Adventhaus community shared the news on its official website. The twelve women and nine men recognized with the Order of Merit have demonstrated exceptional dedication to democratic values, reconciliation, and international understanding.
"In your own unique ways, you have long contributed to making democracy in our country vibrant—past, present, and future—and across all regions of our land," President Steinmeier stated during the awards ceremony. "This presentation of the Order of Merit on German Unity Day reminds us, year after year, that national unity is rooted in the will for freedom and the democratic awakening in the former GDR."
Recognition for Angelina Burdyk
Angelina Burdyk knows from personal experience how challenging the initial period in a new homeland can be. Originally a chemist who immigrated to Germany from Kazakhstan as a young woman, she has dedicated herself to helping other newcomers successfully integrate.
In 2015, she co-founded the association Mosaika, which establishes community spaces ranging from German language courses to an open youth club and children's choir. In 2022, she further initiated the Neue Nachbarn (New Neighbors) association, which provides newcomers with practical assistance in housing searches and administrative procedures. The Ukrainian Self-Help Center was also established under the umbrella of this association.
Through her voluntary community work, Burdyk's primary mission is to strengthen social cohesion and foster exchange among newcomers, refugees, and long-term residents alike. As the Office of the Federal President noted, fostering strong neighborhoods unlocks the potential within everyone.
Other Notable Honorees
This year's list of recipients also includes several prominent public figures, such as musician Till Brönner, ARD journalist Annette Dittert, publicist Navid Kermani, singer Nana Mouskouri, political scientist Herfried Münkler, politician Ruprecht Polenz, and politician and author Marina Weisband.
https://news.eud.adventist.org/all-news/federal-cross-of-merit-awarded-to-member-of-the-dresden-adventist-church