After all, this year Roman Catholics, Protestants, Armenians and representatives of some other churches celebrated Easter on March 31 according to the Gregorian calendar. Instead, May 5 will be celebrated according to the Julian calendar.
See also Will it be affordable for everyone: how much will an Easter basket cost this year
What did Patriarch Bartholomew call for
We pray to the Lord of Glory that the coming celebration of Easter next year (April 20 according to both calendars – Channel 24) will not be just a coincidence, but will be the beginning of a single date for its celebration for both Eastern and Western Christianity,
– said Patriarch Bartholomew.
He explained that this aspiration is especially important in light of the fact that 2025 will be the 1,700th anniversary of the convening of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea.
“Among his key discussions was the question of establishing a single time frame for the celebration of Easter. We are optimistic because there is good will and desire on both sides. Because, indeed, it is scandalous to celebrate separately the unique event of the one Resurrection of the One Lord!” Bartholomew said.
Briefly about the different dates of Easter among Eastern and Western Christians
- Currently, there are two different algorithms for determining the date of Easter. It is determined on the basis of paschals – complex calculations of the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ based on astronomical and calendar factors.
- There is an ancient Alexandrian and a newer Gregorian Easter. The first is followed by the Orthodox Church, as well as some oriental ones, such as Ethiopian or Coptic, the second by Roman Catholics.
- In 2024, the Orthodox will celebrate Easter only on May 5, while the Roman Catholic Church has already celebrated the Resurrection of Christ on March 31. Read more about the differences at the link.
