New York Governor Kathy Hochul visited the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn on Sunday and in her sermon, she exhorted the parishioners to become her “apostles” to spread the word that Jesus wants everyone to get vaccinated.

Hochul, who replaced Gov Cuomo after he resigned over allegations of sexual harassment, 

” Yes, I know you’re vaccinated. they’re the smart ones, but you know, there are people out there who aren’t listening to god and what god wants. you know, this, you know who they are,” Hochul said. “I need you to be my apostles, I need you to go out and talk about it and say, we owe this to each other. we love each other. Jesus taught us to love one another. and how do you show that love, but to care about each other enough to say, please get vaccinated because I love you. I want you to live.”

“And here is my promise to you, my friends. I will use the inspiration of God in my life and fight for you every single day as your governor and beyond,” Hochul added.

Her divine declaration came one day before the deadline for healthcare workers to receive at least one vaccination or face termination. The mandate, issued by the New York Department of Health, also applies to out-of-state and contract medical staff who practice within New York. Those who are fired because of their refusal to get vaccinated won’t be able to receive unemployment insurance without a valid medical accommodation from a doctor, according to the Department of Labor. 

The mandate is expected to wreak havoc in the healthcare system, generating severe staffing shortages. Hochul preemptively signed an executive order providing her with expanded powers to alleviate staff shortages.

The Civil Service Employees Association, members of the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association and a group of medical workers are among those who have filed lawsuits challenging the state’s vaccine mandates.