Instead of meeting in synagogues, mosques, and churches, thousands of people across the Rochester region will be worshipping online or taking part in a prayer service at home this weekend.
The ongoing efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus means this aspect of life has changed indefinitely, too.
"Listening to our scientists and experts when they say things like 'don't gather' is important for us as people of faith, that we not take on a cavalier attitude," said Bishop Prince Singh of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester.
Singh said he and other church leaders are "figuring out as we go" how to protect their flock while also making sure they're spiritually nourished.
All in-person gatherings, including Masses, are suspended in the diocese through May 10.
Singh encourages parishioners to look at the temporary interruption as a kind of Lenten sacrifice that is being made for the safety of the community and the love of neighbors.
"We do have some extremely dedicated and faithful people who will do anything in that sense of the word because of their love for God," he said. "And for them to show restraint like this is really commendable."
In the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, all public Masses are suspended until further notice. While funerals and weddings can be celebrated, the gatherings must not be larger than 50 people, in accordance with limits set by New York state.
Some parishes arelivestreaming their Masses, and priests will continue to celebrate private Mass and pray for their parishoners.
Local Jewish temples have turned to YouTube for a virtual recognition of the Sabbath, and the Islamic Center of Rochesteris encouraging the suspension of daily congregational prayers.
Singh sees a potential silver lining in these disruptions. He said the need to communicate all the changes has created a new kind of community.
"Ironically, there's a lot more contact, 'touch points' over the last 10 days than there has been before because more telephone calls are being made, connections are being made online," he said. "A lot more people are getting comfortable with platforms like Zoom and recognizing that it is a way to be connected while protecting one another."
