Hierarch of Constantinople presents cross to Trump at the White House
Archbishop Elpidophoros and Donald Trump. Photo: tovima
On March 24, 2025, the annual celebration of Greek Independence Day took place at the White House, during which Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the United States solemnly presented a holy cross to U.S. President Donald Trump, reports the Union of Orthodox Journalists in America. In his address, the hierarch emphasized the special role of the head of state in supporting Christianity, particularly in the Middle East.
“Mr. President, you are leading the world. You are a leader in defending freedom and peace among all people. Through your leadership, you embody the values of our Christian faith and love for the Gospel. You remind me of the great Roman Emperor Constantine the Great,” said Archbishop Elpidophoros, adding that Greek Americans eagerly await a bright future for all Americans.
He also expressed gratitude for the creation of the White House Office of Faith-Based Initiatives and for supporting the spiritual mission of Patriarch Bartholomew in Istanbul.
While presenting the cross, Archbishop Elpidophoros recalled the vision of Emperor Constantine: “This cross is the very symbol that led the great Roman Emperor Constantine to victory, as Christ revealed to him in a vision. He said, ‘Εν τούτω νίκα’ – ‘In this sign, conquer.’”
“With this cross, I pray that you bring peace to the world and make America invincible,” the archbishop concluded.
Trump said the gesture was unexpected but accepted the gift with gratitude, noting the beauty of the holy cross presented to him.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Zoria urged the UOC “not to put trust in princes” referring to Trump.
Read also
Iranian authorities accuse protesters of setting fire to 350 mosques
According to the head of Iran's Foreign Ministry, the arson attacks on mosques indicate the organized and externally supported nature of the riots.
Romanian Patriarchate opposes prostitution legalization in country
The Church noted that Holy Scripture and Orthodox Tradition consistently testify to the incompatibility of prostitution with spiritual life.
Poroshenko calls to cancel elections and focus on "language and faith"
The former president stated that an election campaign is unacceptable until the end of the war and proposed focusing the state's efforts on ideological priorities.
SBU confirms use of UOC hierarchs as "prisoner exchange fund"
The Security Service stated that UOC clergy were involved in exchanges when returning citizens from Russian captivity.
Report: 2,000 Christians killed and 3,000 attacked worldwide over two years
The report mentions the situation of Christians in Ukraine: it records the destruction of churches and threats to religious freedom.
U.S. Congresswoman appeals to Vatican over UOC persecution
The legislator linked appeals to the Vatican with complaints about UOC persecution and stated that US taxpayers' money should not be directed to a government that persecutes Christians.