Orthodox Easter Day

Orthodox Easter Day, also known as Pascha, is the most significant and sacred observance in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Unlike Western Easter, which follows the Gregorian calendar, Orthodox Easter is calculated based on the Julian calendar and the timing of Passover, resulting in different dates each year.​

Traditions and Celebrations

• Holy Week
  The week leading up to Easter, known as Holy Week, includes significant services such as Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, each commemorating key events in the Passion of Christ.​
• Midnight Resurrection Service
  On Holy Saturday night, congregations gather for a midnight liturgy. At midnight, the priest announces “Christ is Risen!” and the faithful response, “Indeed, He is Risen!” This is followed by the procession and the Divine Liturgy.​
• Red Eggs
  Eggs are dyed red to symbolize the blood of Christ and the promise of eternal life. The tradition of cracking eggs, known as “tsougrisma,” represents the breaking open of Christ’s tomb.​
• Traditional Foods
  After the long Lenten fast, families celebrate with festive meals that may include dishes like lamb, “kulich” (a sweet bread), and “paskha” (a dessert made from cheese).​
• Blessing of Baskets
  In some cultures, it’s customary to bring baskets filled with food to church to be blessed by the priest before the Easter feast.​

Global Observance

Orthodox Easter is celebrated by millions of Orthodox Christians worldwide, including in countries such as Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Ethiopia. Each culture has its unique customs and traditions, but the central theme of celebrating the resurrection of Christ remains universal.

Orthodox Easter Dates

These dates are determined by the Julian calendar, which is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used in Western Christianity. Additionally, Orthodox Easter is scheduled to occur after Jewish Passover, maintaining the historical sequence of events described in the New Testament.​