Orthodox Easter

History of Orthodox Easter

The Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. established the celebration of Easter on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the March equinox. Although this period of celebration was established for churches around the world, not all churches observe the Easter holiday according to the Gregorian calendar. Many Orthodox churches still observe Easter by following the Julian calendar. The reason for the two different calendars is said to have come from an astronomy miscalculation. The primary goal of creating the Gregorian calendar was to alter the time of Easter. According to history.com, Pope Gregory XIII introduced his Gregorian calendar and Europe adhered to the Julian calendar first implemented by Julius Caesar. Since the Roman emperor’s system miscalculated the length of the solar year by 11 minutes, the calendar has since fallen out of sync with the seasons. This concerned Gregory because it meant that Easter, traditionally observed on March 21, fell further away from the spring equinox with each passing year.

In the Bible, Orthodox Easter is the day when Mary Magdalene found an empty tomb in the cave in which Jesus had been placed following his death by crucifixion. It marks the end of the 40 days of Lent (40 days of self-reflection and fasting). The Lenten fast is likened to a spiritual journey of the soul through the wilderness of the world. It is observed to strengthen the inner life of the worshiper by weakening the attractions of the flesh and drawing one closer to God. In Eastern churches, during this fast, no meat or animal products (eggs, milk, butter, and cheese) are consumed and fish is eaten only on certain days.

Orthodox Easter timeline

46 B.C.

The Julian Calendar

The Julian calendar is first implemented by Julius Caesar.

1582

The Gregorian Calendar is Created

Pope Gregory XIII introduces the Gregorian calendar.

1997

Easter Date Reform

The World Council of Churches proposes a reform to solve the Easter date difference between the churches observing the Gregorian calendar and those observing the Julian calendar.

2022

Easter Sunday

Orthodox Easter Day falls on Sunday, April 24.

Orthodox Easter FAQs

When is Orthodox Easter?

In 2027, Orthodox Easter will be observed on Sunday, May 2. This later date reflects the ongoing adherence to the Julian calendar, which often places Orthodox Easter several weeks after Western Easter.

How many people celebrate Orthodox Easter?

Globally, the Orthodox Christian population continues to grow, with millions observing Pascha. In the U.S. alone, there are several million adherents across various Orthodox jurisdictions, all uniting to celebrate this sacred day.

What are the main traditions of Orthodox Easter?

The celebration of Orthodox Easter is steeped in rich symbolism and ancient customs. Beyond church services and feasting, families often prepare their homes, light candles, and engage in charitable acts, reflecting the spiritual renewal and joyous triumph of Christ’s resurrection.

What is the difference between Orthodox and Western Easter?

Beyond the calendar, there are also some minor liturgical and traditional distinctions, but the core theological meaning — the commemoration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection — remains the same for both. The Julian calendar’s calculation often means Orthodox Easter falls later in the spring.

How to Observe Orthodox Easter

Celebrate in church

Attend a church liturgy at Easter, either on Sunday morning or at midnight, between Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. Celebrate Easter with fellow Christians.

Use symbols to identify with the day

Worship using candles outside the church after the midnight liturgy and carry candles to symbolize the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Also, smashing or cracking painted eggs and filling the churches with incense are symbolic acts on this day.

Create a feast

Orthodox Easter Day is a day to make plenty of food in several delicacies and invite your family and friends to celebrate with you. It is a day to celebrate with loved ones.

5 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT EASTER

Easter is also known as Paskha

Paskha is derived from the Jewish holiday of Pesach, which commemorates the Jews being released from Egyptian slavery.

It is a shifting holiday

Orthodox Easter Day changes/shifts from year to year because it falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon.

There is a special greeting

People exchange Easter eggs, kiss each other on the cheeks three times and often say “Christ is risen” to each other, responding with “He is truly risen.”

Fasting is done before Easter

Easter is preceded by 40 days of Lent, the most important event in the Orthodox church year.

Easter has its own games

Easter celebrations include various games, which usually include the use of Easter eggs.

Why Orthodox Easter is Important

Its significance

Orthodox Easter Day signifies hope, rebirth, and a new beginning as it reminds us of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who was sacrificed for our liberation. It is a time for Christians to reflect and remember the love of Christ.

The fun traditions and ceremonies

The church ceremonies are the best. The spiritual chanting with candles, filling the church with incense, beautiful hymns by the choir, the red eggs, and Easter games are among the activities that we look forward to during Easter celebrations.

The special Easter foods

Since meat, milk, and eggs as well as alcohol and sugar have been prohibited during the 40 days Lent period, Orthodox Easter Day food traditions make up for it. A lot of delicacies are usually made available during the celebration period. Lamb offal soup, roasted lamb, eggs, tsoureki (sweetened yeast bread made with butter, milk, eggs, and spices), dills, lettuce, and other herbs and greens are common during the celebrations.