Why is Greek Orthodox Easter Celebrated Later than Western Easter?

Discover why Greek Orthodox Easter often falls later than Western Easter, due to differing calendars and historical factors.

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Greek Orthodox Easter is often different from Western Easter mainly due to the different calendars used. The Greek Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar, while Western Christianity uses the Gregorian calendar. Additionally, Greek Orthodox Easter is celebrated after the Jewish Passover, adhering to the Council of Nicaea's rulings. These factors often lead to a later celebration date.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Why does the Greek Orthodox Church use a different calendar? The Greek Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar, which is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used by most of the Western world.
  2. How does the Council of Nicaea influence Easter dates? The Council of Nicaea established guidelines for determining Easter's date, including celebrating it after the Jewish Passover.
  3. What are the key differences between Greek Orthodox Easter and Western Easter? The main differences are the calendars used (Julian vs. Gregorian) and the timing of the celebrations in relation to Passover.
  4. Can the dates for Greek Orthodox and Western Easter coincide? Yes, occasionally the dates align, but they typically differ due to the different calculations used in determining the date of Easter.

Watch More

If you want to explore more about Easter traditions, check out our videos on the significance of the Jewish Passover and how various cultures celebrate Easter.

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