Orthodox Church

The Orthodox Church is a distinct branch of Christianity, historically and theologically separate from the Catholic and Protestant traditions of the West. A key difference lies in the calculation of Easter, a central religious holiday. The provided articles highlight the reason why Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter on a different date than Western churches. In 2026, Orthodox Easter will be celebrated on April 12th. The date of Easter, a 'moveable feast,' was initially determined at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. The Orthodox Church continues to adhere to the Julian calendar for this calculation, while Western churches generally use the Gregorian calendar. This difference in calendars results in the divergence of Easter dates. The articles also likely discuss the traditions and observances associated with Orthodox Easter, making the topic relevant to understanding the diversity within Christianity and the historical factors shaping religious practices.