Catholics and Orthodox Christians celebrated Easter together

      Why do the dates match?

      As experts explain, the coincidence is due to the peculiarities of lunar cycles and calendar systems. Catholics calculate Easter according to the Gregorian calendar, focusing on the astronomical full moon after March 21. Orthodox Christians use the Julian calendar (13 days behind) and tables to determine the "Alexandrian" full moon.

      In 2025, the calculations of both faiths point to one Sunday, April 20th.

      Nearest matches after 2025:

      2028 — April 16;

      2031 — April 13th;

      The year 2038 is April 25th.

      Traditions of celebration

      The Orthodox:

      1. Easter Service

      - It begins at midnight with a procession and the singing of the troparion "Christ is Risen!". Believers greet each other with words: "He is truly risen!"

      2. Consecration of food

      - They put cakes (sweet bread), cottage cheese Easter and colored eggs in the basket — a symbol of the rebirth of life.

      3. Festive table

      - After Lent, meat dishes, fish and wine appear on the tables. Eggs are broken against each other, checking whose is stronger.

      4. Charity

      - It is customary to help those in need and visit the sick.

      The Catholics

      1. Easter Fire

      - On Holy Saturday, the Paschal is lit, a large candle from which believers light their candles.

      2. Symbols of the holiday

      - Main attributes: the Easter bunny (a symbol of fertility) and eggs (often chocolate). Children look for them in the "rabbit nests" around the house.

      3. Family lunch

      - Baked lamb, ham, sweet rolls with raisins (hot cross buns) and desserts are served.

      4. The Liturgy of Light

      Solemn masses are held in churches with readings of the history of the Resurrection.

      For many believers, regardless of their faith, the coincidence of Easter is a reminder that we believe in one Christ. And it is important that the heart of the holiday — the victory of life over death — is the same for everyone.

      The coincidence of Easter is not only a calendar phenomenon, but also a symbol of the unity of the Christian world. Despite the differences in traditions — colored eggs for some and chocolate for others, cakes and Easter bunnies — the essence of the holiday remains common: the joy of Resurrection and hope for eternal life.