In a significant acknowledgment of his efforts to support Christian communities in the Middle East, Archbishop Elpidophoros presented President Donald Trump with a holy cross during the Greek Independence Day celebration at the White House.

According to the Catholic News Agency, the event marked a prominent display of cultural and religious diplomacy between the U.S. and Greece, emphasizing shared democratic values and the protection of religious freedoms.

On a festive Monday at the White House, the Greek community celebrated their national day, which commemorates Greece's independence from Ottoman rule in 1821. The event focused on the historical and ongoing contributions of Greek Americans to the United States, drawing connections between Greek and American ideals of democracy and liberty.

Archbishop Elpidophoros, representing the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, expressed his gratitude towards President Trump for his administration's initiatives to protect Christian minorities in conflict-ridden regions. In a symbolic gesture, he presented Trump with a holy cross, likening him to Emperor Constantine, who played a pivotal role in the establishment of Christianity in the Roman Empire.

The archbishop's gift was intended as a symbol of divine guidance, hoping to inspire continued support for persecuted Christians worldwide. "You remind me of the great Roman Emperor Constantine, who founded and built the magnificent city of Constantinople — my birthplace, known today as Istanbul,” said Elpidophoros. He further encouraged President Trump with a blessing: “Let this cross guide you as it once guided Constantine. May it make America invincible!”

Archbishop Lauds White House Initiative on Religious Freedom

Among the highlights of the ceremony was the mention of a newly established Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias, which resulted from an executive order signed by the president in February. This task force aims to enforce existing laws more effectively, ensuring that Christian believers, among others, can freely practice their faith without fearing persecution or bias.

“My prayer is that this task force will help ensure the law truly protects believers, so they can practice their religion in peace,” remarked Elpidophoros, illustrating his hope for the initiative’s impact on religious freedom globally. Trump echoed this sentiment in his remarks, emphasizing his administration's determination to combat anti-Christian policies and government overreach. “We will not tolerate the targeting or intimidation of people of faith,” he affirmed.

Furthering the day’s events, President Trump signed a proclamation declaring March 25, 2025, “Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy.” This document highlights the profound influence of Hellenic ideals on Western civilization and acknowledges the significant contributions of the Greek-American community to the United States.

New U.S. Ambassador to Greece Speaks at Event

Newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, was present at the event, where she expressed her commitment to strengthening the bonds between the U.S. and Greece. “This partnership has never been more important, and we’re going to do even more,” stated Guilfoyle, highlighting the strategic and cultural ties that unite the two nations.

Guilfoyle also took to social media to celebrate the occasion, posting on Instagram: “Today, we celebrate and cherish our rich history and our enduring bond, the United States and Greece.” Her messages underscore the ongoing efforts to enhance diplomatic relationships and mutual understanding between the countries.

Archbishop Elpidophoros took a moment to underscore the shared democratic foundations of both Greece and the United States, invoking the values of freedom, democracy, and the universal right to religious liberty. “Freedom, democracy, and the inalienable right of all people to practice their faith without fear — these are values shared by both our peoples,” he stated, linking the historical struggle for Greek independence to contemporary challenges faced by Christians in the Middle East.

Commemoration Draws Diverse Group of Leaders

The Greek Independence Day event at the White House was attended by a diverse array of dignitaries, including lawmakers, diplomats, and leaders from the Greek American community. The attendees reflected the broad support and interest in Greek-American relations and the issues of religious freedom discussed during the ceremony.

A specific focus was placed on the plight of Christian communities in the Middle East, including Copts, Armenians, Assyrians, Chaldeans, and Maronites. This part of the ceremony highlighted the broader regional and international implications of U.S. foreign policy and the administration's commitment to religious and ethnic minorities.

Overall, the event not only celebrated Greek independence and U.S.-Greek relations but also reinforced the importance of cultural and religious solidarity in international politics. The presentation of the holy cross to President Trump symbolized a mutual commitment to uphold and protect the values that both nations cherish.