Why Greek Easter and Catholic Easter are Celebrated on Different Dates

Discover why Greek Easter differs from Catholic Easter, exploring calendar variations and historical significance.

0 views

Greek Easter differs from Catholic Easter mainly due to the use of different calendars. The Greek Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar, while the Catholic Church uses the Gregorian calendar. Additionally, Orthodox Easter must fall after the Jewish Passover, aligning with the historical context of the Resurrection. These differences lead to variations in the celebration dates.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the difference between the Julian and Gregorian calendars? The Julian calendar, used by the Orthodox Church, is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar, which is adopted by the Catholic Church.
  2. Why does Orthodox Easter depend on the Jewish Passover? Orthodox Easter must occur after the Jewish Passover to align with the historical timing of the Resurrection according to Christian belief.
  3. Do Greek and Catholic Easter ever fall on the same date? Occasionally, due to the differing calendars, Greek Easter and Catholic Easter may overlap, but they typically do not.
  4. How do cultural customs differ between Greek and Catholic Easter? Cultural customs vary widely, with unique foods, rituals, and celebrations marking each tradition’s observance of Easter.