Orthodox Easter Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Orthodox Easter Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Orthodox Easter Day is observed on April 16th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Orthodox Easter Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you should know about Orthodox Easter Day.

📅 What day is Orthodox Easter Day 2024?

In 2024, Orthodox Easter Day is on Sunday, April 16th. It is the 3rd Sunday in April; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all fascinating details and facts about April 16, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Orthodox Easter, which falls on April 16 this year, is a significant and sacred holiday for Eastern Christian churches. It is a time to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Orthodox Easter, also known as Greek Easter, is observed on a different date compared to Western Easter because it follows the Julian calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar. This means that Orthodox Easter is celebrated later than other Easter celebrations.

📜 Orthodox Easter Day History

Orthodox Easter is a significant day in the Bible where Mary Magdalene discovered that the tomb where Jesus was laid after his crucifixion was empty. This day marks the end of a 40-day period called Lent, during which people engage in self-reflection and fasting. The Lenten fast is seen as a spiritual journey for the soul, akin to traversing deserts in the world. By abstaining from certain foods and decreasing bodily desires, individuals can deepen their connection with God. Eastern churches observe strict dietary restrictions during this fast, abstaining from meat and animal products like eggs, milk, butter, and cheese, with fish allowed only on specific days.

✅ Orthodox Easter Day Facts

🔖 It is a shifting holiday
Orthodox Easter Day changes every year because it falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon.

🔖 There is a special greeting
During Easter celebrations, individuals exchange Easter eggs, greet each other by giving three kisses on the cheeks, and often say “Christ is risen” to which the reply is “He is truly risen.”

🔖 Easter is also known as Paskha
Paskha is derived from the Jewish festival Pesach, which commemorates the liberation of the Jews from slavery in Egypt.

👍 Why Is Orthodox Easter Day Important

Orthodox Easter Day represents hope, rebirth, and a fresh beginning since it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who was crucified for our salvation. It is a time for Christians to reflect on and recall Christ’s love.

The religious rituals are the most beautiful. Among the things we look forward to during Easter festivities are spiritual chanting with candles, filling the church with incense, beautiful melodies by the choir, red eggs, and Easter games.

Because meat, milk, and eggs, as well as alcohol and sweets, are forbidden throughout the 40-day Lent period, Orthodox Easter Day meal customs compensate. During festival time, a variety of dishes are frequently offered. During the celebrations, lamb offal soup, roasted lamb, eggs, tsoureki (sweetened yeast bread made with butter, milk, eggs, and spices), dills, lettuce, and other herbs and greens are common.

🙂 How To Observe Orthodox Easter Day

⚡ Create a feast

⚡ Celebrate in church
Participate in a church ceremony on Sunday morning or at midnight on Holy Saturday to commemorate Easter. It is important to come together with fellow Christians to celebrate this special occasion.

⚡ Use symbols to identify with the day
Orthodox Easter Day is a day to prepare a large amount of food in a variety of specialties and ask family and friends to join you in celebrating. It is a day to rejoice with family and friends.

📅 When is Orthodox Easter Day?

View all 🔗 April holidays, including 🔗 Religious and other 🔗 Catholic holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Orthodox Easter Day. So be sure to check back soon.