Trump, first lady attend church on National Day of Prayer

President Trump and first lady Melania Trump attended St. John’s Episcopal Church on Sunday morning, which the president declared a National Day of Prayer for Hurricane Harvey victims.

“We invite all Americans to join us as we continue to pray for those who have lost family members or friends, and for those who are suffering in this time of crisis,” he said in a proclamation that officially declared the date a National Day of Prayer on Friday.

Trump noted the devastation of coastal areas in Texas and Louisiana following the hurricane that made landfall a week ago. The impact of the hurricane is still being tallied, but it has led to nearly 50 deaths so far.

{mosads}“Tomorrow’s a very big day, so go to your church and pray and enjoy the day,” the president directed hurricane victims and first responders during his visit to Texas on Saturday.

The church visit was not announced prior to the departure from the White House. The Trumps attended the 10:30 a.m. service, which includes a Choral Holy Eucharist with sermon.

Melania Trump later tweeted it was a “beautiful service.”

Beautiful service today at St. John’s. @potus and I wishing you many blessings on this National Day of Prayer.

— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) September 3, 2017

Former President Obama also occasionally attended St. John’s, which is just across Lafayette Square from the White House.

Trump is a self-described Presbyterian but does not attend church regularly.

– This post was updated at 3:05 p.m.