Archbishop Elpidophoros of America has presented former U.S. President Donald Trump with a Holy Cross, drawing a parallel between him and Emperor Constantine the Great.
During the presentation, which was captured on video, the Archbishop praised Trump’s leadership, stating:
“You remind me of the great Emperor Constantine the Great. The Roman emperor, my president, who built my birthplace, now called Istanbul. It is my great honour to present to you this cross. The cross led the great Constantine to victory as Christ revealed to him in a vision. It means, ‘Go with this and be victorious, my president.’ This cross is an everlasting symbol of peace and an invincible trophy, a sign of divine strength and guidance.”
Constantine, who ruled in the fourth century, is widely regarded for his role in establishing Christianity within the Roman Empire. The Archbishop’s comparison positions Trump within a broader historical and religious framework, suggesting that his leadership embodies values of faith and resilience.
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The event has since generated discussions across political and religious circles, with supporters viewing it as an endorsement of Trump’s influence in upholding Christian principles in America. Others, however, have debated the historical and theological implications of such a comparison.
Reacting to the video, some observers see the gesture as a recognition of Trump’s policies that aligned with religious groups, others have questioned the broader meaning of likening a contemporary political figure to Constantine, whose reign significantly shaped Christian history.
The Archbishop’s remarks and the symbolism of the Holy Cross continue to spark conversations in both religious and political spheres, particularly as Trump remains the president of America and a central figure in American politics.
