When is Greek Easter this year? The Greek Orthodox Easter, also known as Pascha, is one of the most significant religious holidays in Greece and is celebrated with great fervor and tradition. As Christians around the world mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Greek Orthodox Christians specifically observe this day according to the Julian calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar used by most Western countries.
Greek Easter is always on a Sunday, but the exact date varies each year because it is based on the full moon’s appearance and is calculated according to the Julian calendar. In 2023, Greek Easter will be celebrated on April 9th. This date falls earlier than the Western Easter, which is typically observed on the second Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox.
The celebration of Greek Easter is a time of deep reflection, spiritual renewal, and communal unity. The week leading up to Easter is known as Holy Week, and it includes several important days and rituals. The most significant of these is Maundy Thursday, which commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ and his betrayal by Judas Iscariot. Good Friday follows, marking the crucifixion and death of Jesus.
The weekend before Easter is marked by the Great Saturday, also known as Holy Saturday, which is a day of fasting and prayer. The culmination of the week’s events is the Resurrection of Christ, celebrated on Easter Sunday. The day begins with an early morning service called the Resurrection Service, followed by the traditional egg-breaking ceremony, symbolizing new life and rebirth.
Greek Easter is also a time for family and feasting. Traditional dishes like tsoureki, a braided bread with a sweet egg baked inside, and magiritsa, a soup made with lamb offal and herbs, are prepared and shared with loved ones. The Easter egg, dyed red to symbolize the blood of Christ and the hope of new life, is a central part of the celebrations.
In conclusion, Greek Easter this year will be celebrated on April 9th, marking the end of Holy Week and the beginning of a time of joy and renewal for Greek Orthodox Christians. As they gather with family and friends to honor the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the spirit of unity and tradition remains at the heart of this important religious holiday.
