In 2025, Catholics and Orthodox will celebrate Easter together.
It is considered a significant juncture, and thus many from both Churches have begun discussing the possibility of the next step being a shared celebration.
The non-simultaneous celebration of Easter by Orthodox and Catholics is due to the combined effect of using different calendars and calculation methods.
Both churches use astronomy to determine the date, with the vernal equinox being considered a fixed point. This is to avoid Christian Easter coinciding with the Jewish one, as there was fear that it would dilute the meaning of the celebration.
Until the 15th century, Easter was a common celebration. However, everything changed when the Orthodox continued to use the Julian calendar, established in 45 BC by Julius Caesar, while Catholics adopted the Gregorian calendar, which was implemented in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII.
But does the timing of Easter have any real bearing on the true meaning of the celebration? Clearly not.
With an act of boundless love, as both Churches teach, Christ sacrificed himself for the sins of all people. Along with his resurrection, humanity is also resurrected, now destined to live their lives according to the will of God.
Often, representatives of both Orthodox and Catholics speak of unity and the significant role love should play in our lives. Yet at the same time, they not only cannot agree on a common celebration for Easter, but also belittle others who do not follow the same date.
It would be a very positive development for this to change. Discussions have begun, and a thought gaining more weight is to use 2025 as a starting point, and then Easter to be celebrated on the same date by both Churches thereafter.
Obstacles will surely arise, especially from the Orthodox Churches, which due to their fragmentation, may not all adhere to an agreement.
Nevertheless, hope remains alive. And it is important for Christians to remember that they must all speak together on issues of peace, social justice, and faith, in order to have a convincing testimony in the world.
To celebrate together, transcending their differences and selfishness, sending the message that God is love.
Happy Easter to all.
