New York City Mayor Eric Adams has tested positive for COVID-19, following a series of church visits and amid a burgeoning corruption scandal involving his close associates.

Adams tested positive shortly after addressing congregations in East New York, later analogizing his struggles -- both at home and in D.C. -- with those of the Biblical figure, Job, as the Daily Mail reports.

On Monday, Mayor Adams, feeling unwell, received confirmation that he had contracted COVID-19.

A City Hall spokesperson detailed that the positive test came right after a weekend spent visiting local churches.

Adams made stops at several churches, including the Changing Lives Christian Center and Authority Evangelical Ministry, where he sought to reinforce community ties in East New York.

During these visits, he drew comparisons between his challenges and those faced by Job, an enduring figure of faith and patience in the face of adversity from the Bible.

Mayor Adams Emphasizes Resilience and Faith

In his addresses to the congregations, Mayor Adams spoke openly about his personal battles with learning disabilities, dyslexia, and diabetes, connecting these to broader "Job moments" in life.

He told the congregants at Power and Authority Evangelical Ministry, "East New York has always been resilient," likening their collective and his personal battles to come out stronger.

"I had many Job moments in my life," he shared, echoing a sentiment of overcoming hardships through strengthened faith.

After the church services, Adams interacted with the media, emphasizing the importance of faith and community support as his sources of strength.

Scandal Shadows Mayor's Church Visits

Amidst these personal affirmations and public engagements, the corruption scandal brewing around Mayor Adams took a dramatic turn.

Federal authorities executed raids on the homes of two of his top aides, intensifying the scrutiny under which his administration found itself.

First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks were both targets of these actions, with agents confiscating electronic devices from their residences in Manhattan and Queens respectively.

This followed a November incident in which the FBI seized Mayor Adams’ cell phone and laptop, as well as raided the home of his campaign treasurer, Brianna Suggs, as part of the ongoing investigation into allegations of corruption during his 2021 campaign.

Adams Calls for Prayer and Perseverance

During a poignant moment, as he left the church, Adams expressed his need for spiritual support.

"Pray — pray for them all. Pray for me," he implored Bishop Rotimi Onabanjo, highlighting his reliance on prayer in these trying times.

Responding to questions about feeling persecuted, Adams remarked, "If that's all you got out of that sermon, you're missing it. We all go through things," urging a broader interpretation of his message and the sermon's intent.

This connection to his faith and the symbolic struggles of Job were reiterated as pillars of his resilience and leadership, particularly at a time when both his health and political career face significant tests.