Orthodox Easter 2025 in the United Kingdom

Orthodox Easter, celebrated by Eastern Orthodox Christians, marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It often falls on a different date than Western Easter due to the use of the Julian calendar for calculating the holiday. Traditions include midnight services, the blessing of Easter baskets, and festive meals.

Orthodox Easter: A Public Holiday?

Orthodox Easter is not a public holiday in the UK. Businesses, offices, and schools follow regular opening hours, though many Orthodox Christian communities may hold special church services and celebrations.

Orthodox Easter

Orthodox Easter, also known as Pascha, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a central belief in Christianity. Its history dates back to the earliest days of the Christian Church and is rooted in the events described in the New Testament. The holiday's timing differs from Western Easter because the Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar, leading to a later date in most years. The celebration reflects ancient traditions, including midnight services and the symbolic breaking of the fast after Lent.

Orthodox Easter Celebration in the UK

Orthodox Christianity has a rich history in the UK, shaped by immigration from Eastern Europe and countries such as Greece, Russia, and Romania. The growth of the Orthodox community became more pronounced in the 20th century, with waves of immigrants bringing their faith and customs to Britain. Today, there are numerous Orthodox churches across the UK, where these traditions are kept alive. Despite the UK not marking Orthodox Easter as a public holiday, the festival remains an important spiritual and cultural event for Orthodox Christians living there.

Celebrations in the UK often begin with a midnight church service on Holy Saturday. Worshippers gather for prayers, hymns, and lighting candles to mark Christ's resurrection. The service is a time of joy and reflection, ending in a proclamation of "Christ is risen!" in multiple languages. On Easter Sunday, families come together to enjoy a festive meal, often featuring traditional foods such as lamb, dyed red eggs, and sweet bread called tsoureki. The breaking of the fast is a significant moment, symbolizing spiritual renewal and unity.

For the Orthodox community in the UK, the celebration of Easter carries deep religious meaning and serves as a connection to their heritage and homeland. It is a time of hope, spiritual reflection, and coming together as a family and community. Even for those who have settled far from their ancestral countries, the customs and rituals of Orthodox Easter provide a sense of identity and continuity, making the festival an enduring part of their faith and cultural expression.

Orthodox Easter Observances