ATHENS, Greece — For over four centuries, Catholic and Orthodox churches have observed Easter on different dates due to distinct calendar systems. This Sunday, however, represents a unique occasion as both denominations celebrate the resurrection of Jesus simultaneously. Notably, influential religious figures, including Pope Francis, express hopes that this overlap becomes a consistent occurrence. Yet, the convergence has surfaced underlying suspicions between these prominent branches of Christianity.
The divergence in Easter dates stems from the use of different calendars and methods of calculation. Easter’s date is determined by the Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox. In 1582, after Pope Gregory XIII implemented reforms, the Western Church adopted the Gregorian calendar, while the Eastern Orthodox Church retained the earlier Julian calendar. Each church also employs distinct ecclesiastical calculations for lunar cycles and equinoxes, which do not align with scientific forecasts. Consequently, Easter celebrations can vary by up to five weeks but occasionally coincide multiple years in succession.
Ahead of being hospitalized for a five-week period, Pope Francis referenced this year’s unified Easter as he invoked the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which resolved key theological questions for the early Church. During a prayer for Christian Unity attended by Orthodox clergy at Rome’s Basilica of St. Paul, Francis appealed for a unified Easter date. His appeal followed earlier sentiments expressed in 2014, where he noted that a common date made sense, citing the humorous confusion caused by different resurrection timings among Christians.
Francis gains support from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the global spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians, with whom he shares a deep rapport. Both leaders regard the unity initiative as a significant stride toward reconciling long-standing conflicts, with Bartholomew acknowledging Francis as their “elder brother” in faith.
The aspiration for a single Easter date has been a topic of discussion since the 1960s, notably when schedules align. Historically, the challenge has been centered on perceptions that one group would need greater concession over the other. Protestants, sharing the Catholic calendar, have also shown interest in these discussions. The World Council of Churches, comprising Orthodox and Protestant bodies, has proposed a compromise, suggesting the use of modern astronomy, Jerusalem time, and the traditional Easter calculation formula.
Lutheran Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, a senior member of the World Council of Churches, emphasizes the necessity of unity in today’s polarized world, underscoring the secondary nature of calendar-related disputes.
Pope Francis has substantial influence through the Vatican’s centralized leadership. In contrast, Bartholomew’s influence, though symbolically significant, is limited among autonomous national and local Orthodox churches. Current geopolitical issues, including the conflict in Ukraine and associated church divisions, have further impeded dialogues, especially with Russia, the most populous Orthodox nation. A historically rooted skepticism persists in Eastern Orthodoxy concerning the Vatican’s authority, complicating consensus.
During a Holy Week service in Athens, Father Anastasios, at the Church of Saint Dimitrios Loumbardiaris, spoke about the importance of building connections with other Christian branches but stressed the integrity of Orthodox traditions and beliefs. He hinted at concerns about past Catholic attempts at unity that seemed more about control than genuine reconciliation.
While overarching discussions continue, some regions already enjoy unified Easter celebrations. For instance, Finland’s Orthodox Church adjusted dates in the 1920s to align with the Lutheran population, and Greek Catholics have celebrated Easter with their fellow countrymen since 1970 without officially altering the church calendar.
Joseph Roussos, a Catholic from Syros in Greece, reflected on the pre-unification era where separate Easter dates caused societal divides, describing the current unified celebration as harmonious and beautiful. After his visit to the Vatican last month, Roussos affirmed his hope for persistent unity in Easter celebrations.