The White House launched its Holy Week observance this week with a proclamation from President Trump that recognizes “the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on the cross” and that pledges to “defend the Christian faith” throughout society.

“Through His death, we are forgiven of our sins,” it reads. “Through His Resurrection, we have hope of eternal life. On Easter morning, the stone is rolled away, the tomb is empty, and light prevails over darkness -- signaling that death does not have the final word.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt had promised an “extraordinary” weeklong celebration of Holy Week, which also will include an Easter dinner on Wednesday and a worship service on Thursday. Franklin Graham, Greg Laurie and Jentezen Franklin are among those who will help lead the service, according to Fox News. Singers from Liberty University will help lead music.

The White House Faith Office organized the weeklong events. Trump also will issue an Easter video.

“This Holy Week, Melania and I join in prayer with Christians celebrating the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ -- the living Son of God who conquered death, freed us from sin and unlocked the gates of Heaven for all of humanity,” the proclamation says.

“Beginning with Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and culminating in the Paschal Triduum, which begins on Holy Thursday with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, followed by Good Friday, and reaching its pinnacle in the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night,” it says. Paschal Triduum is a three-day observance celebrated by liturgical Christian traditions. “This week is a time of reflection for Christians to memorialize Jesus’ crucifixion -- and to prepare their hearts, minds, and souls for His miraculous Resurrection from the dead.”

It is rare for Easter proclamations to delve so deeply into theological themes.

“During this sacred week, we acknowledge that the glory of Easter Sunday cannot come without the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on the cross,” it says. “In His final hours on Earth, Christ willingly endured excruciating pain, torture, and execution on the cross out of a deep and abiding love for all His creation. Through His suffering, we have redemption. Through His death, we are forgiven of our sins. Through His Resurrection, we have hope of eternal life. On Easter morning, the stone is rolled away, the tomb is empty, and light prevails over darkness -- signaling that death does not have the final word.”

Further, the proclamation says the Trump administration is renewing “its promise to defend the Christian faith in our schools, military, workplaces, hospitals, and halls of government.”

“We will never waver in safeguarding the right to religious liberty, upholding the dignity of life, and protecting God in our public square,” it says. “As we focus on Christ’s redeeming sacrifice, we look to His love, humility, and obedience -- even in life’s most difficult and uncertain moments. This week, we pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our beloved Nation. We pray that America will remain a beacon of faith, hope, and freedom for the entire world, and we pray to achieve a future that reflects the truth, beauty, and goodness of Christ’s eternal kingdom in Heaven.”

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