During this new normal of social distancing, Easter and Passover celebrations across the GTA are taking on new meaning.
With a ban on gatherings in Ontario of more than 5 people, churches and synagogues have been forced to celebrate with the faithful... online.
Technology has become the new mode to reach parishioners.
"Unfortunately, we're not able to open the doors to congregations throughout the Archidiocese of Toronto. We typically have hundreds of thousands of people attending our more than 200 Catholic churches in the GTA on this day, so we're doing the best we can, obviously respecting the restrictions that are in place," Neil McCarthy, a spokesperson with the Archdioceses of Toronto, tells our media partner CP24, outside St. Michael's Cathedral.
"We're live-streaming our services here from the cathedral. We've also got about a hundred parishes in the archidiocese that are doing the same thing."
Meantime, leaders from all levels of government sent out holiday greetings, while also reminding people to stay home for the holidays, in order to help flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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In an Easter message, Mayor John Tory acknowledged that this year's celebration is different from years past, as residents are not able to gather in large groups.
The Mayor is encouraging residents to connect with friends, and family through technology and celebrate Easter virtually this year.
Below, is a transcript of Mayor Tory's video message:
I'm Mayor John Tory and I would like to extend my sincere greetings to Toronto's Christian community as we celebrate Easter today.
Easter is one of the most important holidays in Christianity, recognizing the resurrection of Jesus Christ while also symbolizing hope, renewal and love. These are messages that can be carried with us at all times, but are especially powerful now, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While Easter is normally a time to celebrate with family at church, to attend the beaches Easter parade, or take part in an Easter egg hunt - I know this year will be very different.
Families are encouraged to celebrate Easter separately in their own homes to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
I hope that families and friends will still take this opportunity to celebrate with one another through phone calls and video chats in their own homes.
While these are challenging times for all of us, I know that we are a strong city, capable of doing our part to flatten the curve, to defeat this virus and I look forward eagerly to celebrating with the community once it is safe to do so.
So, on behalf of myself and Toronto City Council, I'd like to wish all those celebrating a very safe and Happy Easter.
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Ontario Premier Doug Ford issued the following statement to mark Easter Sunday:
Today, people across Ontario will celebrate the joyous occasion of Easter. For Christians, Easter Sunday is the holiest day in the Christian calendar and marks the triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ. For others, the Easter long weekend is a time to celebrate the arrival of spring, spend quality time with family, and exchange gifts such as chocolates and sweets with loved ones.
This year, Easter celebrations will be different due to the pandemic. All but essential workers will need to stay home and practise physical distancing in order to help keep everyone safe and healthy. However, we can still enjoy a meal with those in our household and connect with loved ones by phone, email or videochat. Please think of our seniors and those facing hard times, and consider reaching out or dropping off necessities for them.
For the kids worried about whether the Easter Bunny will come this year, don't worry. Earlier this week, I declared the Easter Bunny's delivery of chocolates and candy an essential service. The Easter Bunny will still be hopping about, while following the rules of physical distancing and avoiding public areas to keep us all protected and ensuring everyone can enjoy this special time.
From my family to yours, I want to wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday at home. Happy Easter!
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sent out a video message, reminding people to stay home, while celebrating the holiday.
In the message posted to his Twitter account, Trudeau says, in part: "This weekend is a chance for all of us to reflect on what matters, and to think about where we are. I know this hasn’t been easy, but I also know that we’ll get through this together. And this long weekend, that’s my message to you."
"Normally, we'd be going to church with our neighbours, searching for Easter eggs with the kids or sharing a special meal with family and friends. I know that for many of Canadians, it won't be easy to celebrate Easter without being surrounded by our extended family or a larger group of loved ones, but we have to do it for the safety of all Canadians."
Trudeau and other leaders across the country are taking a rare day off from giving updates on the COVID-19 crisis, although the latest national figures on the number of cases and deaths are expected to be released.
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