Churches Mark Good Friday Via Livestream As COVID-19 Disrupts Services
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Amid a global pandemic and social distancing orders, Christians around the world observed Good Friday safe from their homes.
Rev. Robert Schuller has been holding drive-in services at his Santa Ana church and this Sunday will preach from his balcony to his congregation parked below.
"With us, being able to provide something with the drive-in, at least people have the opportunity to wave, share a smile, hear voices," said Schuller.
Pastor Rick Warren with Saddleback Church in Lake Forest sys it's been extra busy all week and he expects 100,000 people to tune in online this Sunday for Easter.
"I've been basically going from one Zoom meeting to the next all week," said Warren.
Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez lead mass Friday in a livestream service from the empty Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, including a national moment of prayer to end the coronavirus pandemic.
Good Friday is the day Christians commemorate the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is traditionally marked with fasting, penance and reflection.
"This opportunity to pray together during the coronavirus pandemic offers a special moment of unity for the faithful during a time when communities throughout the U.S. and worldwide are physically unable to congregate for Holy Week and Easter because of COVID-19," cathedral officials said in a statement.
Even Easter traditions will look a little different this year: some neighbors are posting paper Easter eggs in their windows for a scavenger hunt, while one Van Nuys bakery is trying to lighten the mood with toilet paper & mask wearing bunny cakes.
Many cities also taking steps to limit the spread of COVID on Easter Sunday. Besides canceling Easter egg hunts, all parks in South Pasadena will be closed on Easter Sunday and will reopen Monday.