Christians from across Southern California celebrate Easter Sunday
Christians from across Southern California Sunday were celebrating Easter with many services being held.
In Manhattan Beach, as the sun was rising, the faithful arrived for a nontraditional service on the sand, with beach chairs.
For 40 years, people have gathered north of the pier on Easter, except for the last two years due to the pandemic. Most of the service-goers are from the Congregation of Manhattan Beach Community Church, though are others are simply members of the community.
"There's a lot of people who need the inspiration of an Easter sunrise service, but they don't necessarily attend church. So, it's a gift to community and a gift to us to be a part of the community life," said Reverend B.J. Beu.
At the same time, inland, some 70 miles away, worshippers prayed at a sunrise service after hiking to the crest of Mount Ribidoux in Riverside, continuing a tradition that began more than a century ago.
In downtown Los Angeles, a full capacity crowd attended services at Out Lady of the Angeles Cathedral.
"It felt a little peculiar to be so close to people. It's strange how your perception of things have changed now," worshipper Greg Cutts told CBSLA.
Three thousand attendees filled the place of worship.
"It was mentioned it's been three years since we had a mass like this. So, I missed it," worshipper Nadia Kintanar said.
Yet another worshipper, Lauren Sarigumba, said she was grateful for the in-person Easter service.
"I'm just happy it was in person this year and not online like the past couple of years."
