Washington, D.C., March 25, 2025
Photo: ANI News
President Trump embodies Christian values in a manner reminiscent of St. Constantine the Great, Archbishop Elpidophoros, the head of the Patriarchate of Constantinople’s Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, told the President yesterday.
The Archbishop was welcomed to the White House by the head of state yesterday for an event marking the 204th anniversary of Greek Independence Day—a celebration the White House has held every year since 1987, GOARCH reports.
Abp. Elpidophoros, who was very close to the previous head of state, President Biden, began his remarks by elatedly congratulating Pres. Trump, on behalf of the Greek-American community, on his re-election to the presidency:
“We all look forward to a bright future for all Americans,” Abp. Elpidophoros said, while also thanking the President for establishing the White House Faith Office.
He also thanked him for his “commitment to Christianity and especially the Christians of the Middle East, who keep Christianity alive and thriving in the lands of its origin,” and for his “unwavering support of the spiritual mission of our Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul.”
As President, Trump “lead[s] the world in championing freedom and peace between all people,” the GOARCH primate continued.
And moreover, he embodies Gospel values and is comparable to St. Constantine:
Through your leadership, you embody the values of our Christian faith and a love for the Gospel. You remind me of the great Roman Emperor Constantine, who founded and built the magnificent city of Constantinople—my birthplace, known today as Istanbul.
Those present cheered and clapped at the comparison between President Trump and St. Constantine.
Abp. Elpidophoros then presented the President with a wall cross, saying: “With this cross, I pray you bring peace to the world, and make America invincible!”
“Wow, that’s so beautiful. Thank you very much,” Pres. Trump responded.
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