Sponsor spotlight Easter A tale of two calendars

This article highlights the rare occasion in 2025 when Easter will be celebrated on the same day, April 20, by both Catholic and Orthodox Christians, marking a moment of unity amidst ongoing divisions. It also commemorates the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, which sought to unify Christian practices throughout the Roman Empire. The divergence in Easter dates is rooted in the adoption of the Julian and Gregorian calendars, with the Julian calendar losing time over centuries. Orthodox Christians historically resisted adopting the Gregorian calendar due to associated theological changes proposed by Pope Gregory XIII. The article emphasizes the importance of these overlapping occasions as potential catalysts for dialogue and reconciliation among differing Christian denominations.

Holy Trinity Edmonds encourages community participation in a series of Holy Week services to celebrate the significance of Easter. As Christians navigate cultural and political schisms, the author expresses hope that this year’s events may inspire greater unity. The piece underscores the ongoing relevance of ecumenical movements in promoting shared faith and practices among Christians worldwide.