Easter Orthodox 2025 will be celebrated on Sunday, April 20th. Easter is one of the most significant holidays for Christians worldwide. However, not all Christians celebrate it on the same day. In 2025, Orthodox Christians and Western Christians (Catholics and Protestants) will celebrate Easter 2025 on different dates.
What is Easter Orthodox?
Orthodox Easter, also known as Pascha, is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is a central event in Christian faith. The date of Orthodox Easter is determined by the Julian calendar and is based on the timing of the first full moon after the spring equinox.
Key Dates and Differences
| Event | Orthodox Easter 2025 | Western Easter 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Date | April 20, 2025 | March 30, 2025 |
| Calendar Used | Julian Calendar | Gregorian Calendar |
| Equinox Reference | Julian Equinox | Gregorian Equinox |
| Full Moon Reference | Julian Full Moon | Gregorian Full Moon |
Why Do the Dates Differ?
The difference in dates is due to the use of different calendars and methods for calculating Easter:
- Calendars: Western Christians use the Gregorian calendar, while Orthodox Christians use the Julian calendar. The Julian calendar is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar.
- Equinox and Full Moon: The First Ecumenical Council in 325 AD decided that Easter should be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. However, the Orthodox Church continues to use the Julian calendar to determine the equinox and full moon, resulting in different dates from the Gregorian calendar used by Western Christians.
- Avoiding Passover: Orthodox Christians also ensure that Easter does not coincide with the Jewish Passover, which can further affect the date.
Why Orthodox and Catholic Easter Will Never Coincide After 2700
After the year 2700, Orthodox and Catholic Easter will never coincide again due to the accumulated errors in the Julian calendar, which the Orthodox Church uses to calculate Easter. The difference will be so great that the full moons used to determine Easter will never fall in the same week again, permanently separating the dates.
Why Don’t Greek Orthodox Celebrate Easter on the Same Date as Western Christians?
Greek Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter on a different date from Western Christians because they use the Julian calendar and specific rules to ensure it does not coincide with the Jewish Passover. This results in a different calculation for the date of Easter.
What Religion is the Orthodox Church?
The Orthodox Church is a branch of Christianity. It is divided into several autocephalous (independent) churches, such as the Greek Orthodox Church, Russian Orthodox Church, and others. They all share the same faith, theology, and liturgical traditions but are administratively independent.
Is Greek Easter the Same as Orthodox Easter?
Yes, Greek Easter is the same as Orthodox Easter. The Greek Orthodox Church follows the same Julian calendar and liturgical traditions as other Orthodox churches, so the date and manner of celebration are consistent across the Orthodox Christian world.
Can You Drink on Orthodox Easter?
Yes, you can drink on Orthodox Easter. After the long period of Lent, which includes fasting and abstinence from certain foods and drinks, the celebration of Easter is a time of joy and feasting. It is common for families to enjoy festive meals that include wine and other beverages.
Significance of Orthodox Easter
Orthodox Easter is a deeply spiritual and festive occasion. It is preceded by Holy Week, which includes significant events such as:
- Palm Sunday: Celebrates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
- Holy Thursday: Commemorates the Last Supper.
- Good Friday: Marks the crucifixion of Jesus.
- Holy Saturday: The day before Easter, a time of reflection and preparation.
On Easter Sunday, Orthodox Christians attend midnight services, light candles symbolizing Jesus’ resurrection, and partake in festive meals. Traditional foods include lamb, eggs dyed red, and a special Easter bread called “tsoureki.”