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
TRC officers mobilize rector of UOC parish in Radisne
Archpriest Mykhailo Bilokin was detained on his way to a service in the Kamianske Eparchy, and his current whereabouts are unknown.
Metropolitan Onuphry consecrates Annunciation Church in Bukovyna village of Ostrytsia
Thousands of faithful from the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy of the UOC gathered for the service in the newly consecrated Church of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos.
U.S. delegation visits St. Sophia of Kyiv ahead of peace talks
Zelensky took the U.S. negotiators to St. Sophia of Kyiv.
Rescuers urge Hasidic pilgrims in Uman not to perform rituals in local quarry
The State Emergency Service warned Hasidic pilgrims in Uman about the dangers of ritual immersion in a flooded quarry that is not equipped for swimming.
UOC Social Department provides food packages to 100 displaced families
In Kyiv, 100 internally displaced families received food and essential supplies from the UOC Social Department.
Third Armenian judge refuses to hear case against Catholicos
A third judge has refused to hear the case against the head of the Armenian Church and six bishops, with the case materials sent to the Court of Cassation.