Why does Eastern Orthodox have a different Easter?

The Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar, not the Gregorian calendar, to calculate when Easter is. This is the calendar that was officially implemented by Julius Caesar and was in use primarily between 45 BC and 1582 AD. This is one reason why Easter may fall on a different date.

Why do Orthodox dye their eggs red?

Why do Greeks dye the eggs red? Easter eggs are dyed red to represent the blood of Christ, whose resurrection is celebrated on Saturday. The hard eggs shell symbolizes the sealed Tomb of Jesus Chris, from which he emerged following his crucifixion.

Why do Orthodox Christians were egg pendants?

“They represent Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross, which happened in blood and brought us eternal life. Cracking [the eggs] means the end of the old and beginning of the new. “Christos aneste!” (“Christ is risen!”) he says each time.

What are Greek Easter eggs called?

In Greek, the red eggs are called kokkina avga (κόκκινα αυγά, pronounced KOH-kee-nah ahv-GHAH). They are perhaps the brightest symbol of the Easter season in Greece. They represent the blood of Christ (the red color) and rebirth (the egg).

Do Eastern Orthodox believe in Pope?

Orthodox believers reject the infallibility of the pope and consider their own patriarchs, too, as human and thus subject to error. In this way, they are similar to Protestants, who also reject any notion of papal primacy.

Why do Greek Orthodox crack eggs at Easter?

In the Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches, Easter eggs are dyed red to represent the blood of Christ, with further symbolism being found in the hard shell of the egg symbolizing the sealed Tomb of Christ — the cracking of which symbolized his resurrection from the dead.

Why do Greeks dye eggs on Holy Thursday?

The Greek Orthodox tradition is for eggs to be dyed red on Holy Thursday in commemoration of the Last Supper, the final meal which Jesus shared with his Apostles in Jerusalem before his crucifixion. If, however, a priest blesses the eggs on Easter Sunday, they are said to last a whole year without turning bad.

What is a good gift for Orthodox Easter?

1 Red Easter Eggs. Greek Orthodox families dye their Easter eggs on Holy Thursday morning.

2 Paschal Candles. Children usually receive decorated paschal candles from their parents or godparents.

3 Clothing Gifts for Children.

4 Traditional Food Gifts.

What is the significance of the red egg?

Origin and folklore Similar to Western easter eggs, in Chinese culture eggs symbolize birth or a new start; thus, it is of paramount importance for eggs to be served to guests during an important birthday (such as the first month or first year). The color red symbolizes prosperity and good fortune to the Chinese.

What’s the difference between Eastern Orthodox and Greek Orthodox?

Historically, the term “Greek Orthodox” has been used to describe all Eastern Orthodox churches in general, since the term “Greek” can refer to the heritage of the Byzantine Empire. Thus, Eastern Orthodox came to be called “Greek” Orthodox in the same way that the Western Christians came to be called “Roman” Catholic.

Why do Greeks crack red eggs on Easter?

Greeks adhere to the custom of dyeing the eggs red to symbolize Christ’s blood and the egg itself reminds us of His tomb. When the egg is cracked, it represents His resurrection. No Easter table is complete without them! These are also baked in the center of tsoureki , which is the traditional Easter bread.

Why do Greeks dye eggs red for Easter?

Here are some possible explanations as to why Greeks dye their eggs red for Easter: Before they were adopted as a Christian symbol at Easter, eggs were a pagan symbol of fertility. Eostre , the Germanic fertility goddess, would carry baskets of eggs as a way to encourage fertility.

What is the tradition of Easter eggs?

For Christians, the Easter egg is symbolic of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Painting Easter eggs is an especially beloved tradition in the Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches where the eggs are dyed red to represent the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross.

What is the significance of eggs at Easter?

Easter eggs are specially decorated eggs given to celebrate the Easter holiday or springtime. The egg was a symbol of the rebirth of the earth in Pagan celebrations of spring and was adopted by early Christians as a symbol of the rebirth.