When is Greek Orthodox Easter? This question is often asked by those interested in the religious and cultural significance of this celebration. Greek Orthodox Easter, also known as Pascha, is one of the most important dates in the Greek Orthodox Christian calendar, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Unlike the Western Christian Easter, which is based on the Gregorian calendar, the Greek Orthodox Easter is determined by the Julian calendar and the phases of the moon, making its date vary each year.

Greek Orthodox Easter is always celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox. This means that it can fall anywhere between April 4th and May 8th. The date is calculated according to the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used by most Western countries. This discrepancy is due to the fact that the Gregorian calendar was introduced in 1582 to correct the Julian calendar’s errors in calculating the length of the year and the timing of the seasons.

The determination of the Greek Orthodox Easter date has been a subject of controversy throughout history. The Eastern Orthodox Church and the Western Catholic Church have been divided on the calculation method since the Great Schism of 1054. The Eastern Orthodox Church continues to use the Julian calendar, while the Western Catholic Church adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1582.

In addition to the religious significance, Greek Orthodox Easter is also a time of great cultural celebration in Greece and other Eastern Orthodox countries. It is marked by a series of traditions and customs, such as the Great Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and prayer leading up to Easter, and the lighting of the resurrection fire on the Saturday before Easter Sunday.

As the date of Greek Orthodox Easter changes each year, it is essential for those interested in attending religious services or participating in cultural festivities to check the specific date in advance. The celebration of this holiday brings together the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Greek Orthodox faith, making it a unique and cherished occasion for millions around the world.