Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America opened the White House’s Greek Independence Day event with words of gratitude for President Donald Trump’s unwavering support of Christian communities in the Middle East. The event, which celebrated Greece’s independence and the shared democratic ideals of the United States and Greece, also underscored the Trump administration’s commitment to religious freedom and the protection of Christians both domestically and globally.
The Archbishop began his remarks by drawing a powerful parallel between President Trump and the great Roman Emperor Constantine, who founded Constantinople—modern-day Istanbul—after receiving a divine vision of the cross. Holding a holy cross, Elpidophoros presented it to Trump, calling it a symbol of “divine guidance” for America’s leaders.
“Let this cross guide you as it once guided Constantine. May it make America invincible!”
The Archbishop also praised President Trump’s administration for its proactive approach to supporting religious freedom, particularly through the creation of the Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias shortly after taking office. This executive order, Elpidophoros noted, was a crucial step in promoting religious liberty both at home and abroad.
“My prayer is that this task force will help ensure the law truly protects believers, so they can practice their religion in peace,” Elpidophoros remarked, expressing hope that the initiative would be effective in combating discrimination and safeguarding the rights of Christians.
In response, President Trump accepted the holy cross and emphasized his administration’s commitment to protecting religious freedom. He referred to his executive orders to end government overreach and hostility toward Christian communities. “We will not tolerate the targeting or intimidation of people of faith,” Trump stated, referencing his administration’s directive to eliminate any unlawful anti-Christian policies left from the previous administration.
After the Archbishop’s remarks, President Trump took further steps to honor Greek-American heritage by signing a proclamation declaring March 25, 2025, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy.
Trump lauded the Hellenic ideals that have shaped Western institutions, acknowledging that the influence of Greek democracy continues to reverberate the United States. “The Greek people have helped shape the culture, economy, and public life of our nation,” Trump said. “Today, we honor that enduring legacy and the bond between our two nations.”
Kimberly Guilfoyle, the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Greece, was also present at the event. She expressed her enthusiasm about strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and Greece, emphasizing the growing importance of this partnership.
In his closing remarks, Archbishop Elpidophoros reflected on the democratic roots of both Greece and America, underscoring how these shared values are at the foundation of a strong, lasting partnership between the two nations. “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.
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