The coronavirus pandemic S.O.E. restrictions forced some churches in Samoa to be creative in how they celebrated Resurrection Sunday.

Despite the ban on public gatherings, the spirit of members of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa at Malie to worship in their church building meant the church had to improvise.

Speaking to Samoa Observer, the wife of the Church Minister of C.C.C.S Malie, Litia Sitanilei, said they decided to have only five people at a time and to hold separate services.

“Easter is one of the most important events in the lives of the Samoan people or Christians as it’s the day our saviour died and rose for us and our sins,” she said.

“It’s all about testing our faith in God. With the way we’re doing our church, we believe we’re both obeying the Government orders and doing our part which is upholding our prayers to help Samoa and the world.”

When Samoa Observer got to the church, only five people attended the first service.

Mrs. Sitanilei said another five will follow after the first session.

A church goer of the church told Samoa Observer that she welcomed the decision by the church management as she firmly believes this is one of the most powerful weapons to help fight the coronavirus.

The 79-year-old Petina Tausiai said everything may be difficult right now but keeping the faith is important.

“I believe that one day when all of these crisis or virus happening goes away, we will get down on our knees again and thank God for being with us when we needed him to,” she said.

At Satuimalufilufi and Manono-Uta, the leaders of Catholic churches visited the homes of their church members to fellowship and officiate communion.