Orthodox Easter

The Eastern Orthodox Church, officially the Orthodox Catholic Church but also referred to as the Greek Orthodox Church, or simply the Orthodox Church, is the second-largest Christian church (after the Catholic Church), with approximately 230 million baptised members.

When was Orthodox Easter?

Orthodox Easter takes place between April 4 and May 8 every year, following the first fullmoon after Passover.

Orthodox Easter always falls after the Jewish celebration of Passover, because, according to the New Testament, the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ took place after he entered Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. In 2024, Orthodox Easter occurred on May 5.

The term Pascha for Orthodox Easter is derived from the Greek word Pascha, which itself comes from the Hebrew word Pesach. Pesach is the Jewish festival of Passover, which commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt.

What is Passover?

Passover, in Judaism, is a celebration commemorating the liberation of the Hebrew people from slavery in Ancient Egypt and the “passing over” of the forces of destruction, associated with the 10 Plagues, and the sparing of the Hebrew first born sons and death of the Egyptian first born sons.

It is a part of the larger Exodus story, which further details how a man called Moses led the Hebrew people out of Ancient Egypt. You might be familiar with the story of Moses parting the Red Sea so his people could cross to a new land.

How is Orthodox, or Greek, Easter different to Non-Orthodox Easter?

Orthodox Christians, who believe faith is inseparable from the church, follow the Julian calendar when it comes to celebrating Easter Sunday. The Julian calendar was established by Julius Caesar, a famous Roman general and statesman, in 45 B.C. and is based it on the solar cycle — Earth's revolutions around the sun.

For further information, see the following:

https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/orthodox-easter-origin-and-date.html

https://www.history.com/news/easter-orthodox-easter-differences