COVID-19 pandemic changed the way Essequibians celebrate Easter

The novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) hit the world over a year ago. This is the second Easter holiday since the pandemic and in Guyana, a lot has changed since then.

At the height of the pandemic, last year, there were much stricter guidelines in place that prevented congregating and confined persons to their homes. However, this year much of that has been relaxed, nevertheless, there are still gathering guidelines and closure of popular spots.
In Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Easter is a time when everyone comes together to celebrate. It is a time when many Christians worldwide celebrate with special church services, music, candlelight, flowers and the ringing of church bells.
In Guyana, there are no limits to the religious holiday and it is celebrated by everyone.

The Easter holiday celebrates the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament of the Bible, the event is said to have occurred three days after Jesus was crucified by the Romans and died, roughly, in 30 AD.
The holiday concludes the “Passion of Christ,” a series of events and holidays that begins with Lent – a 40-day period of fasting, prayer and sacrifice and ends with Holy Week, which includes Holy Thursday (the celebration of Jesus’ Last Supper with his 12 Apostles, also known as “Maundy Thursday”), Good Friday (when Jesus’ crucifixion is observed) and Easter Sunday.

Although a holiday of high religious significance in the Christian faith, many traditions associated with Easter date back to pre-Christian, pagan times.
In Essequibo, it is evident that many non-Christians choose to observe these traditions while essentially ignoring the religious aspects of the celebration. The celebration has proven to be one of the unifying ones in Guyana and in Essequibo, it is no different. It is a day when people put aside their prejudices and just take part in the celebration of the risen saviour.
This year, the celebration is somewhat different from the past years. Regarding the continuing concerns in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National COVID-19 Task Force Secretariat stated that in light of health and safety concerns, it was necessary to implement some restrictions to the traditional celebration.
They further mentioned that these guidelines are intended to allow for limited participation in the Easter activities while maintaining the sanctity of the religious holiday.
Christians will still be lucky to observe the religious celebration but in a more conservative manner while adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines. In Essequibo, churches will be involved in religious services and feasting and also the raising of kites that signify the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Churches are only allowed to operate at 40 per cent capacity and church members are encouraged to utilise their outdoor spaces, where available.

On the Essequibo Coast, many churches have already installed sinks and masks requirements in observance of the religious holiday. Many church leaders related that it is important that persons adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines in the dreaded pandemic.
Families said that they prefer to visit the church to listen to the words of God and raise their kites and spend time with their family indoor.

Virtual programme
Pastor Leon Harvey Singh of Grace Church of God said that Christians should celebrate Easter while remembering the true significance of “the resurrection of Jesus Christ”
“Since last year the religious festival is affected as a result of COVID protocol that was given raise by the Minister of Health. Easter is the most important Christian festival of the year – it’s when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Bible says that Christ died on the cross on a day called Good Friday. According to the Bible, Jesus was then resurrected and came back to life on Easter Sunday,” he said.
Pastor Singh said that this year, the church’s story on Christ – the risen saviour – and prayer meetings will be hosted virtually. They will be aired on the local RCA channel.
The programme will feature prayers, stories and dance performances from the region. The religious leader also said that everyone is concerned about their health. As such, he encouraged gatherings within the family circle and advised persons to spend quality time with their families during the pandemic in the comfort of their home after the service at church.
One of the fundamental principles of Christianity is good begets good and this is instilled in the minds of all Christians from a young age and as such will be knowledgeable on the words of God. Easter is celebrated by Christians as a joyous holiday because it represents the fulfilment of the prophecies of the Old Testament and the revelation of God’s salvific plan for all of humankind. In commemorating the resurrection of Jesus, Easter also celebrates the defeat of death and the hope of salvation.