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
ROC approves procedure for receiving members of Ukrainian schismatic groups
The ROC Synod has adopted a document governing the reception of communities and clergy from the OCU, UOC-KP, and UAOC.
OCU cleric's church preference poll delivers unexpected results
When an OCU cleric from Rivne asked Ukrainians which Church they preferred, most Threads users who responded chose the UOC.
Reports to SBU of weapons in UOC churches were always false, Novynskyi says
The protodeacon said that under Maliuk, inspections began to be accompanied by public accusations against the Church without evidence.
Culture Ministry pledges to speed up seizure of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra from UOC
Culture Minister Tetiana Berezhna has pledged to personally attend a court hearing in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra case.
Kamianske Eparchy honors Dnipro Icon of the Mother of God for first time
A festive service was held at a cathedral in Kamianske, where the Dnipro Icon of the Mother of God was brought out for veneration by the faithful for the first time.
Kyiv conscription officers abduct UOC priest
TRC officers reportedly abducted Maksym Kostiuchenko, a cleric of a UOC church in the Ukrainian capital.