New Delhi: With social distancing and isolation being the buzzword amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic and with schools, theatre halls, restaurants shutting down, faith offers solace like nothing else. And taking the lead are pastors in Delhi.
The outbreak of novel coronavirus may have impacted the usual celebrations by the believers but not the spirit. And in keeping with the fervour of the devout Christians across the national capital celebrated Palm Sunday by taking recourse to interactive video telephony platforms like Face Time and Zoom from the safety of their respective homes.
So on Sunday, many pastors from different churches and denominations in Delhi held online mass services, tailoring sermons where the pandemic was, understandably, a recurring theme.
Speaking to ETV Bharat, Reverend Dr. Kadimna Gangmei, pastor, Gospel of Grace Church, Delhi, pointed out: “Although there is a huge impact on the regular fellowship of Christians all over the world in terms of coming together on Sunday or any other day to worship as a community in the Church, but our spirit remains the same. Today, as a mark of Palm Sunday celebrations, we continue to worship in our homes and through online services. In that way, Christians are still worshiping God from home and joyfully organised online mass services.”
Read: Palm Sunday: a closed door affair for Kerala churches amid COVID-19
Palm Sunday or the Sunday before Easter is the day Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem where palm leaves were placed on his path. It is called the ‘beginning of the end’ or the start of the ‘Holy Week’ because Jesus was arrested on Holy Thursday before his crucifixion on Good Friday.
Reverend Dr. Ricky Medom, Pastor, Naga Christian Fellowship Church, Delhi, said: “We know that the pandemic has disrupted normal lives and a sense of fear and anxiety exists but on a positive note, this lockdown has brought back family values, concern for each other, our neighbours, wishing for their good health and safety. It has invoked a new sense of understanding.”
“Moreover, we could see our planet earth being rejuvenated. Sooner or later, we hope the virus can be treated and thee lockdown would end soon. I hope when it ends, there will be humanity that will be kinder, less greedy and godly.”
“Palm Sunday marked a new beginning in the life of Jesus Christ and I hope we too will find new meaning in life through a new relationship with him. May God bless us all,” Rev. Medom added.
Traditionally, devout Christians carry palm fronds and olive branches and march from the top of the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem's Old city.
Saying prayers were offered to end the pandemic soon, Pastor Mathanmi said: “We have celebrated the day through live streaming and many individuals, Christian families, joined us and sent their feedback expressing happiness that even at this time of crisis, we could celebrate Palm Sunday. Our spirit is high and we celebrated it like never before.”
