What Is Orthodox Easter?

Orthodox Easter—often called Pascha—is the principal feast of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, celebrating Christ’s resurrection as the cornerstone of salvation.

Historical Origins

After the Council of Nicaea (AD 325) set a uniform method, Eastern churches continued using the Julian calendar to calculate Pascha, which often falls later than Western Easter (Gregorian calendar).

Distinctive Customs

Paschal Vigil: Begins late Saturday with a midnight procession, hymn of “Christ is risen!” and the first Divine Liturgy of Easter.
Artoklasia: Blessing of five loaves, symbolizing Christ’s feeding of the multitudes and His presence among His people.
Bright Week: Seven days of unbroken festal services, during which icons and churches remain adorned in white to signify joy.

Significance

For Orthodox believers, Pascha is not only historical remembrance but participatory experience—they join the victory over death through communal worship and the proclamation, “Christ is risen!”

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