Christians in East Nusa Tenggara celebrated a solemn yet joyful Good Friday from the comfort of their homes, taking part in online church services as the COVID-19 outbreak forced people to refrain from public gatherings.

The head of Kaisarea Church Council, Rev. Ronny Runtu, said the church had conducted a live-streamed Good Friday service for its congregation.

“Through the livestream, they can follow it from their houses. We have to follow the government’s policy to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” he said, referring to the physical distancing policy encouraged by central and local administrations.

Ronny reminded Christians to keep their faith and stand strong against the pandemic.

“This was the first time throughout my 27 years as a reverend that I had to deliver the sermon while facing rows of empty chairs,” Ronny said.

He also added that the church had to postpone the Holy Communion typically conducted on Good Friday, which commemorates the day Jesus Christ was crucified.

Meanwhile in East Nusa Tenggara, six dioceses had urged their congregations to celebrate Easter inside their houses.

Petrus Ngempeng from Saint Josef Freinademetz Parish in Wajur, Flores, said this was his first time to celebrate Good Friday from inside his house. He said his family followed the advice issued by the Ruteng diocese to stay at home and implement physical distancing to prevent any further spread of COVID-19.

“This [Easter] has become a historical moment for me since I had to celebrate it at home for the first time with my family,” he said. (dpk)

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