Live-streamed sermons

Thanks to technology, Fr Manish Kuriakose of St Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church in Sydney can continue to meet his congregation weekly

BY EMIE ROY

"Please pardon me if sound and lighting is not perfect.” When he uttered these words at the beginning of his weekly sermon on Sunday 29 March, Fr Manish Kuriakose became a role model for a community that looks up to him for leadership.

Only days before, the Prime Minister had announced the closure of places of worship, and the Premier of NSW had urged everyone that could work from home to do so.

“I am working from home too,” Fr Manish Kuriakose told his congregation with a smile, who had all joined him live on Facebook.

It was the first virtual sermon for St Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church in Sydney’s Seven Hills district.

Unprecedented times do call for unprecedented measures.

New work conditions in the current global pandemic are challenging for everyone, but they are particularly difficult for the clergy who help the community to meet their spiritual needs. Many Christian denominations are observing 50 days of Lent these days, in the lead up to the ‘passion week’ remembering the events that led to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. At this time of increased religious