in-cyprus 9 October 2024
Orthodox and Catholic Churches are discussing the possibility of a unified Easter celebration, prompted by the coincidence of their Easter dates in 2025.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has called the separate celebration of Easter by Orthodox and Catholics a “scandal”. Pope Francis, in agreement, has declared that “Easter belongs to Christ, not to our mortal calendars”.
This alignment between the heads of the two major Christian denominations suggests that the path towards establishing a common Easter celebration has opened. The proposal aims for a permanent unified Easter date, not just for 2025 when the calendars naturally align.
The initiative has faced resistance from various quarters. Circles within the Russian Patriarchate and aligned conservative or far-right groups oppose any convergence between the “pure Orthodox” and the “schismatics” or “heretics”, as they label Catholics.
The proposed common Easter celebration extends beyond liturgical or doctrinal issues, connecting with current geopolitical tensions, particularly the Russia-Ukraine conflict. It’s also seen as a step towards forming a unified Christian front against the radicalisation of certain Islamist factions.
The aspiration for a joint Easter coincides with the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council. Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Francis are expected to meet in Nicaea (modern-day Iznik, Turkey) to commemorate this event and potentially solidify plans for future cooperation.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople has expressed hope that the 2025 common Easter “will not merely be a fortunate coincidence, but the beginning of establishing a common date for its annual celebration”.
Patriarch Bartholomew emphasised optimism about the initiative, stating, “We are optimistic, as there is goodwill and readiness on both sides. Indeed, the separate celebration of the unique event of the One Resurrection of the One Lord is a scandal!”
Pope Francis has also voiced support, exclaiming, “How wonderful it would be if the anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council became the specific beginning of a permanent joint celebration of Easter”.
(information from ptotothema.gr)
