Thousands of Australian worshippers traded their Sunday best for comfier clothes as Easter services were streamed online and live on television due to COVID-19.
Like faith leaders around the world, Archdiocese of Sydney auxiliary bishop Richard Umbers gave this year’s service to an empty room.
He conceded streaming Mass on Facebook was a little unusual, but said he remained confident the coronavirus hasn’t broken community spirit.
"It makes for a tighter community in some ways, he told SBS News.
"We realise how much we need each other and there is a real expectation that when this is over we can get back together and have a real celebration.”
Archdiocese of Sydney auxiliary bishop Richard Umbers livestreaming his Easter Sunday service Source: SBS News
Archdiocese of Sydney auxiliary bishop Richard Umbers livestreaming his Easter Sunday service Source: SBS News
His parishioners, such as the Duru Uzomah family, watched on from home.
The family still decided to dress up as normal, which mother Jennifer Duru Uzomah said added a touch of normalcy to an otherwise abnormal Easter.
“It's a little bit difficult for us,” she told SBS News.
Jennifer Duru Uzomah and her family at home on Easter Sunday. Source: SBS News
“We grew up going to church, going to morning Mass, going to evening Mass. It's just a part of us.”
St Andrew’s Cathedral, usually a key part of the Anglican Church’s Easter Sunday celebrations, was also empty.
In a service televised on the Nine Network across the nation, Archbishop Glenn Davies led a special prayer for health workers.
“They need our prayers and our support. They are the frontline workers, not only here in Australia, but around the world,” he said.
During a Catholic Mass held at St Mary's Cathedral, the Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher said technology had given people the opportunity to come together and celebrate "the greatest event in history."
"At this time of necessary physical distancing, we must be especially careful that we don't distance ourselves socially, emotionally and spiritually for each other," Rev Fisher said.
"We are more aware than ever of our common vulnerability and our need to support each other."
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at .
Additional reporting by AAP.
