What is Orthodox Easter (Pascha)?

Orthodox Easter, also known as Pascha, is the most significant and sacred celebration in the Eastern Orthodox Christian calendar. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and follows the Julian calendar, which often places it on a different date than Western Easter, which follows the Gregorian calendar.

Pascha is celebrated with deep religious traditions, including midnight church services, processions, feasting, and symbolic rituals that reflect the triumph of life over death. It is considered the most joyous day in Orthodox Christianity, marking the end of Lent and the arrival of spiritual renewal.

History and origin

Orthodox Easter traces its origins to the early Christian Church and follows the Paschalion, a system used to determine the date of Easter. In 325 AD, the First Council of Nicaea established a unified method to calculate Easter, basing it on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. However, due to differences between the Julian and Gregorian calendars, Orthodox Easter often falls one to five weeks later than Western Easter.

The celebration of Pascha is deeply rooted in Byzantine traditions, preserving centuries-old customs such as the Holy Fire ceremony in Jerusalem, where flames miraculously appear at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Orthodox Christians around the world maintain unique yet connected traditions, blending religious observance with cultural heritage.

Who participates in Orthodox Easter?

• Orthodox Christians from countries such as Greece, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, and Ethiopia
• Clergy and church leaders who lead Paschal services, processions, and blessings
• Families and communities that gather for feasting and celebrating the end of Lent
• Pilgrims and tourists who visit religious sites, especially in Jerusalem and Mount Athos
• Non-Orthodox individuals who observe or participate in cultural aspects of the holiday

Slogans and themes

Orthodox Easter is a time of spiritual reflection, renewal, and celebration. Common phrases and greetings include “Christ is Risen!” (Χριστός Ανέστη / Christos Anesti in Greek) and “Truly He is Risen!” (Αληθώς Ανέστη / Alithós Anésti). The themes of the day focus on resurrection, victory over death, and divine light.

Colors, symbols, and patterns

Colors

• Red symbolizes Christ’s sacrifice and is used for Easter eggs and church decorations
• Gold represents divine glory, light, and the resurrection
• White signifies purity, renewal, and the triumph of life over death

Symbols

• Paschal candle symbolizes the light of Christ and is used in midnight services
• Easter eggs traditionally dyed red, representing the blood of Christ and new life
• Holy Fire a miraculous flame that appears in Jerusalem, symbolizing divine presence

Patterns

• Cross motifs represent faith and Christ’s victory over death
• Floral designs symbolize rebirth and renewal during the Easter season
• Iconography depicts biblical scenes related to the resurrection and Paschal traditions

How to observe Orthodox Easter

• Attend the midnight Divine Liturgy and take part in the candlelit procession
• Break the Lenten fast with traditional Paschal foods such as lamb, kulich, and tsoureki
• Greet others with “Christ is Risen!” and exchange decorated red eggs as a symbol of new life
• Participate in local Orthodox Easter traditions such as fireworks, feasting, and family gatherings
• Reflect on the meaning of Pascha through prayer, church services, and acts of kindness

Most used hashtags

• #OrthodoxEaster
• #ChristIsRisen
• #Pascha
• #HolyFire
• #EasterTraditions

Why is Orthodox Easter important?

Orthodox Easter is the most sacred and joyful day in the Orthodox Christian faith, symbolizing the victory of life over death and the promise of eternal salvation. It unites millions of believers in faith, tradition, and community, offering a profound spiritual experience.

Beyond its religious significance, Pascha is a time of family, cultural heritage, and celebration. It brings together generations through time-honored customs, festive meals, and shared faith, making it one of the most cherished holidays in the Orthodox world.