Archbishop Elpidophoros Compares Trump to Constantine During 204th Greek Independence Celebration
Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America presented President Donald Trump with a beautiful Holy Cross during a Greek Independence Day celebration held at the White House Monday comparing President Trump to one of the greatest leaders in history.
Striking Comparison
In his remarks, Archbishop Elpidophoros drew a striking comparison between Trump and Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, a pivotal figure in history credited with embracing Christianity and founding Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). The Archbishop stated, “Through your leadership, you embody the values of our Christian faith and love for the Gospel,” likening Trump’s influence to that of Constantine. He presented the Holy Cross as a symbol of divine strength, adding, “Go with this and be victorious,” echoing the vision that reportedly inspired Constantine before his victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 A.D.
The gesture took place in the East Room of the White House, where a crowd of Greek Americans and dignitaries cheered the exchange. Trump, visibly moved accepting the cross, expressed humble appreciation, noting, “It will be with me always,” as the crowd of attendees roared with excitement. The event also featured Trump signing a proclamation declaring March 25, 2025, as “Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy,” a tradition dating back to 1987.
204th Anniversary
The event, marking the 204th anniversary of Greece’s independence from the Ottoman Empire, underscored the deep cultural and historical connections between the United States and Greece and shared democratic values. Notable attendees included Kimberly Guilfoyle, Trump’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Greece, who spoke of strengthening U.S.-Greece ties. The comparison to Constantine, a saint in the Orthodox Church, sparked discussion online as Trump grows in his faith. Just last week, Trump hosted a prayer meeting in the Oval Office with Paula White-Cain, head of the White House Faith Office and Pastor Robert Jeffress, among others.
This story is based on verified reports and posts on X as of 9:56 PM PDT on March 24, 2025. Details may evolve as more information emerges.
