Toronto's places of worship hosting online services for Easter, Passover

Toronto's places of worship hosting online services for Easter and Passover

Cathedral Church of St. James (Shutterstock)

With Easter and Passover coming up this week, many places of worship are hosting livestream services for the holidays to support physical distancing.

The City of Toronto said that while the holidays are a time to spend with families and faith-based communities, everyone should “continue to follow provincial orders closing places of worship and limiting gatherings, and public health recommendations to remain at home, leaving only for essential reasons.”

Therefore, in order to provide residents with a sense of community during the holidays, many places of worship are hosting services online to connect with their communities while staying physically apart.

Mayor John Tory urged residents to stay at home and find “creative ways to stay connected with family and faith-based communities” for Passover, Easter, and Ramadan, which is coming up at the end of the month.

“Plan ahead for grocery shopping and consider donating to a local food bank.”

During #Passover, #Easter and #Ramadan, find creative ways to stay connected with family and faith-based communities without visiting in person. Plan ahead for grocery shopping and consider donating to a local food bank. More on https://t.co/BPRxWVy0Q6 https://t.co/PYFYrib1IB pic.twitter.com/2YqtTWzpkQ

— City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto) April 6, 2020

The city also suggests that for individuals planning to celebrate a faith-based holiday with a special meal for members of their household should be mindful when grocery shopping.

This upcoming week will be busier with the holidays and residents are reminded to only shop for the necessities and keep numbers to a minimum in grocery stores.

See also:
- Toronto bakery offering one-day (physically-distanced) pop-up April 11
- Mayor Tory declares Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy essential workers

While the holidays will be celebrated differently this year, there are a number of churches and synagogues in Toronto livestreaming services, making it easily accessible for families and individuals staying at home to take part in the festivities.