Light of Christ brightens the dark days of pandemic

Publish Date: 21-Apr-2020

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, people around the world experienced an Easter this year that was totally different from that in the past. Churches and Christians around the world walked with Jesus in the Holy Week from his suffering to resurrection amidst public health measures, such as the suspension of public services and maintaining social distancing.

In Hong Kong, although churches could not hold public services, the Province observed Easter traditions so that the faithful could join by means of electronic media. On Maundy Thursday at St John’s Cathedral, Archbishop Paul Kwong blessed oils and renewed commitment of priestly duties on behalf of clerics who were not able to participate due to social distancing measures. Churches also broadcasted or recorded the Institution of the Eucharist on Maundy Thursday evening, Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday and the Easter Vigil on social media sites such as Facebook or Youtube.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui has suspended all public services and group activities like baptism classes. Therefore no churches were able to hold baptisms during Easter Vigil or Easter Sunday.

Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, recorded an Easter Sunday Eucharist service with his tablet. During his sermon, he stressed that the resurrection of Jesus Christ gave Christians a hope that is surer than stone and any architecture. Even in the dark days of this Easter, they can feed on hope and dream of what their country and their world will look like after the pandemic.