Most Christians will not be able to attend face-to-face services at Easter / Article / LSM.lv

Most Christians will not be able to attend face-to-face services at EasterUldis Ķezberis, LR100:00 / 04:56

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A year ago, Christians celebrated a very unusual Easter, as the first wave of the coronavirus Covid-19 had just begun to roll around the world, and strict gathering restrictions had to be imposed in many places. The services that were so important to the believers were not held in person, instead the pastors addressed their congregations in Internet broadcasts.

Initially, many hoped that the virus would recede in a few months and that life would return to its former level. Unfortunately, the pandemic took hold, so mass gatherings, including in churches, were not possible. Also this year at Easter, many Christians will not be able to attend church.

At Easter, the largest Christian denomination, the Catholics, focuses on the Vatican, where the festivities are significantly affected by restrictions on assembly and movement in Italy.

Pope Francis did not conduct the Lord’s Last Supper service from St. Peter’s Basilica as usual on Green Thursday. Cardinal Giovanni Batista Re did it for him.

For the second year in a row, the Good Friday Crusade did not take place in the Colosseum, but in St. Peter’s Square, with the participation of a small number of people.

The traditional quiet vigil service at St. Peter’s Basilica will start earlier this time so that its participants can get home before the curfew begins.

Pope Francis will also lead the Easter Mass from St. Peter’s Basilica, but after that he will read the address “Urbi et orbi” or “City and the World”. Traditionally, the Pope makes his speech in St. Peter’s Square, where it is listened to by thousands of people. This time, just like last year, the huge square will be empty.

In many places, Easter services will be held outdoors or remotely.

In the US state of Massachusetts, Easton, a local Baptist church has been serving outside its church for nearly a year. Pastor Edam Riveiro says believers listen to his sermons in their cars.

“Thank God, no one in our services is infected with Covid-19. There is no substitute for face-to-face worship, but we want to ensure that even the most vulnerable members of our church still have the opportunity to feel part of this church, ”the pastor said in a conversation with CBS Boston.

In another Massachusetts city, Voltem, the Catholic Church will gather for an open Mass on Sunday for the 46th week in a row. Services are held in the large parking lot next to the church, where those gathered can keep a safe distance from each other.

Pastor James Dipper says that Mass is very well attended, so he expects more people at Easter.

“People get together, they want to be together. They adhere to epidemiological safety measures, so fortunately everything has gone smoothly so far, ”the pastor is pleased. “I think the key is to be creative, no matter what the times.”

In the Southeast Asian country of the Philippines, about 94% of the 108 million people are Christians. Many of them will have to spend this Easter at home, as the capital, Manila, and the surrounding areas are subject to universal quarantine, affecting some 25 million people. This means that in churches subject to severe restrictions, it will not be possible for churches to attend Easter services.

Luciano Felloni, a Catholic priest who serves in the largest city in the Philippines, Quezon City, tells how he has adapted to the fact that it will not be possible to meet his congregation during the holiday.

“First of all, we can use virtual opportunities. We regularly broadcast services on the Internet. All Silent Week events will also be broadcast on our Facebook page. Many rituals will take place virtually. But I also call on my church members to turn their homes into churches. Parents need to feel in the role of family spiritual leaders. We consecrate water online, but parents sanctify their children with it. Parents’ main task during a pandemic is to be spiritual leaders, “Priest Felloni told ABS-CBN News.

This Easter there will be some places where Christians will be able to attend services in person. For example, in Catholic Italy, churches will be allowed to receive visitors, despite the general quarantine announced in the country. Believers will be allowed to visit the church closest to their home, where all applicable security measures must be followed. Services must end in time for people to be able to get home by the start of the curfew.

In Queensland, Australia, where the spread of Covid-19 has been contained, people in churches will have to keep a distance of at least two meters and wear face masks.

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