Liminal Incense: Two Easters??

In 2007 our attendance at the Orthodox Church for Easter did not raise any questions because last year the two Easters happened to occur on the same day. But this year Western Easter (Catholic and Protestant) occurs the earliest it will in 200+ years and thus separates the celebrations by more than a month. My parents recently attended our church with us and were curious about the difference in Church calendars. For me, the difference has never sparked much curiosity because of my belief that all calendars are man's arbitrary attempts to measure time. The event and the way it is prepared for and celebrated is far more significant. But my parent's question made me think that more people might be curious as well, so I did a little research and this is what I found.

Both the West and the East (Orthodox) calculate the date for Easter with the same formula: The first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the vernal (Spring) equinox. But the difference is not created through the formula, but the definition of terms in the formula (e.g. vernal equinox). The Western Church uses the Gregorian calendar, the standard calendar for much of the world, while the East uses the older Julian calendar that was in place during the establishment of the early Church (First Ecumenical Council).

The Catholic Church adopted the Gregorian calendar to fix some of the errors in the Julian calendar, but in the case of the vernal equinox opted for a fixed date of March 21 instead of using the movable astronomical day used in the Julian calendar. While the dates can coincide (like in 2007), they can also be between one and six weeks apart (except three weeks).

The Orthodox Church uses the actual astronomical date when the full moon can be observed in Jerusalem, the place of crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. This method also insures that the date for Easter is also after the Jewish Passover, which coincides with the original event we are celebrating.

For the Orthodox, Easter or Pascha, is the high point of the year. It is preceded by 12 weeks of preparation -- strict fasting and many symbolic services that incite contemplation -- which culminates in one of the biggest celebrations I've ever seen. The children in our church look forward to Pascha with more anticipation than Christmas! Here are some pictures from last Pascha. Yes there is confetti! And in the second picture the candelabra is blurry because it is swinging.