Why I celebrate Easter on April 12st; Differences between the Catholic and the Orthodox Calendars

Last week, my feed on Facebook – especially of my Facebook page – featured many Easter eggs, goodies, and Easter greetings. But, in my religion, it was Palm Sunday – or Flowers’ Sunday, the Sunday before the Easter, when we celebrate those that have, as a first name, the name of a flower. Yes, you guessed, it was my “name day” – from Violeta (Violet, the beautiful flower.) So, as almost all of my traveler friends celebrated Easter, I will enjoy it this Sunday (today is Good Friday). But why this gap, you might ask?

I admit I was curious too – as, in fact, the Catholics and the Orthodoxies are part of the same original church and of the same belief/religion – Christianity – and they split at a moment in history due to some minor differences (in my humble opinion :D).

Easter decorations in Bucharest - at night, photographed from the moving car
Easter decorations in Bucharest – at night, photographed from the moving car

The different moments in which we celebrate Easter is due to the way the holiday is established. Apparently, there are differences regarding the calendar used (the Christian Orthodox Church continues to follow the Julian calendar, while the others use the Gregorian one). Also, „The other factor at work is that the Orthodox Church continues to adhere to the rule set forth by the First Ecumenical Council, held in Nicea in 325 AD, that requires that Pascha must take place after the Jewish Passover in order to maintain the Biblical sequence of Christ’s Passion.” (source)

I have friends who are part of catholic and orthodox families, so, consequently, they celebrate both Easters (regardless of when they are.) We are Orthodox, so, this year, we celebrate Easter on April 12st.

Final preparations were done, tomorrow I will bake some „pasca” (a traditional sweet). Until then, all the best to you!

See also  Short trip at the field

Easter Eggs

Lori

I’m offering public relations, communications and image counseling in everyday life and I have a PR agency – PRwave INTERNATIONAL. I am passionate about reading, blogging (I also have a blog in Romanian) and traveling. Follow me on Twitter - @violetaloredana (Romanian) and @TravelMoments.

2 thoughts on “Why I celebrate Easter on April 12st; Differences between the Catholic and the Orthodox Calendars

  • 11 April, 2015 at 19:59
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    Catholics and Orthodox have the same believe. so it doesn’t mather whether Easter are celebrated on two different dates.

    Reply
  • 15 April, 2015 at 14:13
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    That is certainly an interesting read. As a Catholic myself I didn’t realise we celebrated Easter at different times.

    I think it is sad that religion has led to so many splits and debates (to put it politely). For the Catholic church alone there have been splits like for the orthodox and protestants to name but two. We all ultimately believe in the same thing. Hopefully one day the churches can see beyond their differences and find a way to work more in unity (although some of this is being done already).

    Enough of my waffle. I hope you had a wonderful Easter.

    Reply

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