U.S. Secretary of State appears on TV with an ash cross on his forehead
Marco Rubio. Photo: Screenshot from foxnews.com
On March 5, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a practicing Catholic, appeared on Fox News with an Ash Cross on his forehead – a symbol marking the beginning of Lent for Catholics and Lutherans.
During the interview, Rubio stated that due to the actions of Hamas, President Trump has "lost patience." He also described the conflict in Ukraine as a "proxy war between the U.S. and Russia."
The Ash Cross – a cross made of ashes applied to the forehead by Catholics on the first day of Lent – symbolizes repentance and preparation for Easter.
Earlier, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also emphasized her religious identity during her first briefing by wearing a cross necklace.
Previously, the UOJ reported that a Mass was held at the White House to mark the beginning of Lent.
Read also
In Volodymyr, MP announces eviction of UOC cathedral community from its chapel
After being expelled from the Dormition Cathedral, the UOC community in Volodymyr has been crammed into a tiny chapel.
Court hearing on eviction of monks from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra postponed
The judge in the case on evicting monks from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra went on sick leave an hour before the hearing.
Cherkasy court postpones hearing in Metropolitan Theodosiy case over illness
The court postponed the hearing due to the health condition of the archbishop, who remains under treatment; the issue of preventive measures will be considered on December 26.
Capitol rally gives hope persecution of UOC may subside, analyst says
Bondarenko believes that American activists and Church representatives have once again managed to draw the attention of politicians and the public to the UOC persecution.
Congresswoman urges colleagues not to stay silent about Christians persecution
An American legislator made a statement on social media condemning the silence on cases of pressure on believers and demanding that colleagues openly defend religious freedom.
Patriarch Porfirije supports Serbian students and schoolchildren in Croatia
The Primate of the Serbian Church is one of the largest sponsors of scholarships for Orthodox students in Croatia.