The Great Easter Date Debate

Easter is the commemoration of Jesus' resurrection, universally celebrated by Christians around the world. Although how and even when Easter is celebrated varies greatly.

Both Western Churches (Roman Catholic and Protestant) and Eastern Churches (Greek and Russian Orthodox) celebrate Easter on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox.

There are as many as five weeks between the two Easter celebrations. In the Western Church, Easter falls between late March and late April; in the Orthodox Church, it is between early April and early May.

In the 16th century, the Roman Church abandoned the Julian Calendar in favor of the Gregorian calendar. As a result, Catholic (and eventually Protestant) churches need to convert the originally Julian-based date of Easter into a Gregorian date.

Even still, it would stand to reason that the date would be the same for the two Churches, since both are based on the same Julian calendar-at least originally.

However, the two Churches also use a different system for calculating the date of the vernal equinox.

The Western Church decided to set a fixed date-March 21-for the vernal equinox and then define the full moon using ecclesiastical calculations.

The Orthodox Church, on the other hand, set the date for Easter based on the astronomical definitions of the full moon and the equinox, as they are observed along the meridian of Jerusalem.

While the Easter date debate is the most commonly cited difference between Eastern and Western Christianity, there are many other differences, as well. From the timing and content of the Easter Mass to traditional foods served at Easter, the two Churches bring their own unique take on celebrating Easter. For more on how Greek Orthodox and Russian Orthodox celebrate Easter, check out these articles:

Greek Orthodox Easter Customs
Russian Orthodox Easter Customs

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ada

14:22 06/04/2008

 

but how do they celebrate easter? i am doing a project and i cant find ANY information

Mary

12:24 04/18/2008

 

Yes the two Easters - Eastern and Western - are calculated the same except for one important detail that the above article does not address. Jesus was Jewish and the Last Supper was the Passover Supper. The Eastern Orthodox Church recognizes this simple fact. Therefore, Jesus was not crucified before Passover. As a result, the Eastern Orthodox Easter cannot occur until after Passover. Check your calendars again.

agus

01:19 03/26/2008

 

whatever the differences about easter, i do not care. the most important thing: Jesus is risen! Halleluyah.

casey

00:10 03/24/2008

 

How often do the Eastern and Western dates for Easter land on the same date and when is the next time this will happen?

Cathryn

05:28 03/23/2008

 

Do a search for 'Passover Lamb vs. Ishtar/Easter Ham'.

Paulie

13:29 03/22/2008

 

Very Helpful !!!! This site answered a question that has been bothering me for some time....why the date for Easter changes each year? NOW...I have another question that no doubt will bother me for some time.....If...the two churches couldn't agree on when Easter is, why then is Christmas celebrated on the same day?

Milli

11:11 03/22/2008

 

I had a son born on Easter,04/17/1960... The evening before he was born I column by Gilbert Love who wrote for the Pittsburgh Press, he stated that a child born the next day on Easter would not have a birthday on Easter until the year he turned 50, which would be 2010, now I read on the computer that this is not true. Easter will be on April the 4th that year is this true? I am realy disappointed be cause I have told my son for years that this was the case.. Oh well, why is this true?

bb

06:49 03/22/2008

 

Detailed but wrong. Orthodox churches don't use a lunar calendar, they use the Julian calendar which is calculated almost identically to the Gregorian calendar but less precise due to slightly simpler leap year rules. Over time the difference has accumulated.

pete

09:33 03/21/2008

 

Excuse me but i would like to know wat days easter occur each year

Cathryn

09:27 03/21/2008

 

Bruce, you're not the only one who's confused. You'll turn flips when you read (URL edited) ...happy Ishtar.