For the first time in over 400 years, Catholic and Orthodox churches will celebrate Easter on the same day this year. The move has sparked a desire among top religious leaders to keep it that way, but underlying mistrust between the two major Christian communions remains.
The unusual alignment follows the historic Council of Nicaea, which unified Christian doctrine 1,700 years ago. The event marks a significant moment for Christians as they celebrate Jesus’ resurrection on the same day.
However, the churches use different calendars and ecclesiastical calculations, resulting in Easter dates being as much as five weeks apart. Each church uses its own lunar cycles and equinox measurements, which don’t align with scientific projections.
Pope Francis has expressed a desire to keep the alignment, stating it should serve as a sign of unity among Christians. He’s found an ally in Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who shares his vision for repairing old conflicts.
The idea of a common Easter dates back to the 1960s, but protests have always centered around concessions. The World Council of Churches proposes a compromise, using modern astronomy and following centuries-old rules.
Despite the challenges, some places already celebrate together, such as Finland and Greece. A Catholic from Greece says he hopes for continued harmony and unity among Christians.
As dialogue unfolds between the churches, this year’s Easter celebrations mark an important step towards reconciliation.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/centuries-easters-date-remains-divisive-church-leaders-change-120969568