Orthodox Christian Holidays, 2010-2030
The Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian denominations, with a rich history and tradition that spans many centuries and countries, from Russia and Greece to the Middle East and Egypt. The Orthodox Christians follow the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used by Western churches.
Is Eastern Orthodox the Same as Greek Orthodox?
Greek Orthodoxy is an offshoot of Eastern Orthodoxy that is focused on the Greek language, culture, and customs, although the two are not precisely the same. The term "Eastern Orthodoxy" refers to a group of Christian denominations with roots in the Eastern Roman or Byzantine Empire that use the Byzantine rite. While Greek Orthodoxy is a subset of Eastern Orthodoxy, not all Eastern Orthodox churches are Greek Orthodox.
According to the Orthodox Church in America, the main difference simply lies in ethnic designations that congregants might adhere to, in the same way that Roman Catholics can identify as Italian or Irish Roman Catholics, but still observe the same root religion.[1] Greek Orthodox and Russian Orthodox - Questions & Answers. (n.d.). Orthodox Church in America. https://www.oca.org/questions/namerica/greek-orthodox-and-russian-orthodox
Orthodox Holidays and Dates
The Eastern Orthodox church calculates some holidays differently from other Christian denominations.[2]About Calendar. HOLY TRINITY RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH, a parish of the Patriarchate of Moscow. (n.d.). https://www.holytrinityorthodox.com/htc/orthodox-calendar/about-calendar/ That is because the Gregorian calendar, which is the most common calendar worldwide, was adopted by Pope Gregory XIII. Orthodox churches, which split from the Catholic church before then, use the older Julian calendar. Protestants, which split from the Catholic church after this point, still use the Gregorian calendar. The holiday dates used by Western churches (or both churches) are given their own page.
| Year | Great Lent Begins | Pascha (Easter) | Ascension | Pentecost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Feb. 15 | April 4 | May 13 | May 23 |
| 2011 | March 7 | April 24 | June 2 | June 12 |
| 2012 | Feb. 27 | April 15 | May 24 | June 3 |
| 2013 | March 18 | May 5 | June 13 | June 23 |
| 2014 | March 3 | April 20 | May 29 | June 8 |
| 2015 | Feb. 23 | April 12 | May 21 | May 31 |
| 2016 | March 14 | May 1 | June 9 | June 19 |
| 2017 | Feb. 27 | April 16 | May 25 | June 4 |
| 2018 | Feb. 19 | April 8 | May 17 | May 27 |
| 2019 | March 11 | April 28 | June 6 | June 16 |
| 2020 | March 2 | April 19 | May 28 | June 7 |
| 2021 | March 15 | May 2 | June 10 | June 20 |
| 2022 | March 7 | April 24 | June 2 | June 12 |
| 2023 | Feb. 27 | April 16 | May 25 | June 4 |
| 2024 | March 18 | May 5 | June 13 | June 23 |
| 2025 | March 3 | April 20 | May 29 | June 8 |
| 2026 | Feb. 23 | April 12 | May 21 | May 31 |
| 2027 | March 15 | May 2 | June 10 | June 20 |
| 2028 | Feb. 28 | April 16 | May 25 | June 4 |
| 2029 | Feb. 19 | April 8 | May 17 | May 27 |
| 2030 | March 11 | April 28 | June 6 | June 16 |
Discovering Orthodox Christian Holidays
Millions of people continue to observe the Orthodox Christian holidays, which are a significant aspect of Christian tradition. The Orthodox Church and its festivals are an essential component of the cultural legacy of many countries, from the ancient city of Constantinople to the contemporary nations of Greece, Russia, Cyprus, and Ukraine, including the following celebrations.[3] Cultural Atlas. (2022). Cultural Atlas. https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/religions/christianity-eastern-orthodox/resources/christianity-eastern-orthodox-key-dates-and-events
Easter and Pascha
Easter, also known as Pascha, is the most important holiday in the Orthodox Church. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The date of Orthodox Easter is based on the Julian calendar and is generally later than the date of Easter celebrated by the Catholic Church and Protestants, which is based on the Gregorian calendar. Typically, the Easter liturgy is observed between April 4 and May 8 — on the first Sunday that occurs after Mosaic Passover and the Paschal full moon.
Holy Week
The week leading up to Easter is known as Holy Week and includes Palm Sunday, commemorating the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, Good Friday, which marks the crucifixion of Jesus, and Easter Sunday, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus.
Great Feasts
The Orthodox Church celebrates several other great feasts throughout the year, including the Nativity of Jesus Christ (Christmas), Epiphany, Transfiguration, and the Dormition of the Theotokos. In Greece, the feast of the Annunciation is celebrated on March 25th, which is also the day of the Greek Independence Day.
Great Lent
Great Lent is the period of fasting and spiritual preparation leading up to Easter. It begins on Clean Monday and lasts for 40 days. In Cyprus, the first Sunday of Lent is a public holiday and is called Green Monday.
Pentecost
Pentecost celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles of Jesus Christ, which occurred 50 days after Easter. This event is described in the New Testament Bible, in the book of Acts, and it marks the beginning of the Church. Pentecost is an important holiday in the Orthodox Church and is celebrated by Christians around the world.
Other Holidays
The Orthodox Church also celebrates the Ascension of Jesus Christ and the Feast of the Holy Spirit. In Russia, the feast of Lazarus on the Saturday before Palm Sunday is also celebrated.
Differences Between Catholic and Western Christian Holidays
The Orthodox Christian holidays are celebrated according to the Julian calendar, which is why they often fall on different dates than Catholic and Western Christian holidays. Additionally, the Orthodox Church places a greater emphasis on the Virgin Mary and the holy icons than the Catholic Church. In Ukraine, the Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7th, while in Greece, the full moon is used to calculate the date of Orthodox Easter.
What Is the Difference Between Orthodox and Catholic Easter?
Orthodox Easter is based on the Julian calendar, while Catholic Easter is based on the Gregorian calendar. This means that Orthodox Easter is generally celebrated later than Catholic Easter.
Do Orthodox Christians Celebrate Christmas?
Yes, Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas, which is known as the Nativity of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated on January 7th, according to the Julian calendar.
What Is the Significance of Pentecost in the Orthodox Church?
Pentecost celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated 50 days after Easter and marks the beginning of the Church.
| Major Holidays |
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