Greek Easter 2025, also known as Pascha, holds deep cultural and religious significance in the Greek Orthodox Church. In 2025, both the Western and Orthodox Easters align on April 20, a rare coincidence. The Greek Orthodox calendar follows the Julian system for religious events, which often results in different dates from Western observances. Below is a detailed guide to key events in the lead-up to Greek Easter.
Important Dates for Greek Easter 2025
| Event | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triodion Begins | February 16 | Start of the pre-Lenten period with special hymns. |
| Clean Monday | March 3 | Beginning of Lent with fasting and prayer. |
| Annunciation of the Theotokos | March 25 | Celebrates the announcement of Christ’s birth to Mary. |
| Saturday of Lazarus | April 12 | Commemorates Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. |
| Palm Sunday | April 13 | Marks Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. |
| Holy Monday | April 14 | Begins Holy Week, leading to Pascha. |
| Holy Thursday | April 17 | Commemorates the Last Supper and Jesus’ betrayal. |
| Good Friday | April 18 | Mourns Jesus’ crucifixion with solemn processions. |
| Holy Saturday | April 19 | Marks the descent of Jesus into Hades. |
| Greek Easter (Pascha) | April 20 | Celebrates the Resurrection of Christ with midnight liturgy. |
| Bright Monday | April 21 | Continuation of the Easter celebration. |
Traditions and Celebrations
- Lenten Preparations: Greek Lent (known as Sarakosti) involves fasting from meat, dairy, and oil, emphasizing prayer and charity.
- Holy Week: Each day during this week has its own themes, with special services focusing on Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection.
- Easter Midnight Service: On the night of Holy Saturday, the faithful attend the Anastasi service, where candles are lit to symbolize the light of Christ. At midnight, the congregation proclaims, “Christos Anesti!” (Christ is Risen!).
- Feast Day Traditions: Easter Sunday is celebrated with lamb roasts, red-dyed eggs, and traditional songs, marking the end of the fasting period.
Greek Easter 2025 promises to be a beautiful celebration filled with deep meaning, fasting, prayer, and joyous feasting. This alignment with Western Easter makes it a special year, allowing more people to unite in celebration.