Orthodox Easter, also known as Pascha, is the most important and joyous celebration in the Eastern Orthodox Church, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the culmination of Holy Week and the central event of the Orthodox liturgical year.

Table of Contents

1. When is Orthodox Easter?
2. The History of Orthodox Easter?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. Differences between Orthodox and Western Easter?

When is Easter Sunday?

Orthodox Easter is determined based on the Julian calendar, which is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used by most Western churches. Orthodox Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox (March 21), and after Jewish Passover, reflecting the biblical timeline of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection.

The following is the list of Orthodox Easter from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Orthodox Easter

The History of Orthodox Easter is deeply rooted in early Christianity, theological decisions, and cultural traditions that have shaped its observance over centuries.

The resurrection of Jesus is said to have occurred three days after his crucifixion, during the time of Passover, a Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt. The Last Supper, which Jesus shared with his disciples, was likely a Passover meal.

Early Christians connected Jesus's death and resurrection with the themes of deliverance and redemption found in Passover. Over time, Easter became distinct from Passover but retained its springtime association.

The earliest Christians celebrated Jesus's resurrection as the cornerstone of their faith. This celebration began informally, often occurring on Sundays, which early Christians referred to as the Lord's Day. In the first century, Christian communities commemorated the resurrection either on the 14th of Nisan (the Jewish Passover date) or on the following Sunday.

Early Christians debated whether to celebrate Easter on the 14th day of Nisan (the Jewish Passover date) or on the Sunday following Passover. The Council of Nicaea in 325 CE resolved this by standardizing Easter as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox, separating it from the Jewish calendar. Easter should always be celebrated on a Sunday, and it must always occur after the Jewish Passover, reflecting the biblical timeline of Jesus's death and resurrection.

The Eastern Orthodox Church calculates Easter using the Julian calendar. Over time, the Julian calendar became misaligned with the solar year, creating a difference of 13 days between it and the Gregorian calendar used by Western churches. As a result, Orthodox Easter often falls later than Western Easter. Orthodox Easter is preceded by Great Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and spiritual preparation.

During the medieval period, Easter became a time for grand religious observances, including elaborate church services, passion plays, and processions.

In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, Easter remains the most significant holiday, often celebrated with midnight vigils and feasting.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On Orthodox Easter, people engage in deeply spiritual and joyous activities that reflect the central themes of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The day is marked by religious observances, cultural traditions, and family celebrations.

Celebrations begin late on Holy Saturday with the Paschal Vigil, a midnight service that transitions into Easter Sunday. A midnight procession around the church with candles and icons symbolizes the discovery of Christ's empty tomb.

Orthodox Easter services are filled with hymns, prayers, and readings celebrating Christ's resurrection. The Paschal Matins and Divine Liturgy are central to the day's worship. The faithful greet one another with the Paschal proclamation, exchanging the joyous greeting "Christ is Risen!" and the response, "Truly He is Risen!"

After the solemn Lenten fast, families share a festive meal that begins with foods blessed during Holy Saturday services. Families come together for large, celebratory meals, often featuring roasted meats, vegetables, and festive desserts. Feasting marks the end of fasting and celebrates the joy of the resurrection.

Traditional foods like bread, eggs, and cheese are brought to the church to be blessed by the priest. This custom highlights gratitude for God's blessings and the sanctity of the meal. In many Orthodox communities, fireworks or bonfires mark the resurrection at midnight, symbolizing light triumphing over darkness.

Orthodox Easter Sunday is a day of profound spiritual significance and communal celebration, blending centuries-old religious practices with vibrant cultural traditions. It is a day of joy, hope, and renewal for Orthodox Christians worldwide.

Differences between Orthodox and Western Easter?

The primary differences between Orthodox Easter and Western Easter lie in how the dates are calculated, the liturgical practices, and cultural traditions. These differences stem from variations in calendars, theological interpretations, and regional customs.

Western Easter uses the Gregorian calendar and is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox (March 21), and it does not strictly tie Easter to the timing of Jewish Passover. Orthodox Easter uses the Julian calendar, which is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar, and it uses the same formula as Western Easter but ensures that Easter occurs after Passover, in keeping with early Christian tradition.

Western Easter Holy Week includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday (Last Supper), Good Friday (Crucifixion), and Holy Saturday, and the services often culminate in an Easter Vigil on Saturday evening or a sunrise service on Sunday morning. Orthodox Easter Holy Week has a similar structure to Western Holy Week but includes unique traditions such as the Bridegroom Services and a midnight Paschal Vigil on Holy Saturday.

Decorated eggs and the Easter Bunny are popular symbols, especially for children. Egg hunts and baskets of candy are common in Western Easter, while eggs are dyed red, symbolizing Christ's blood and resurrection in Orthodox Easter.

The following is the difference summary: