For Eastern Orthodox Christians around the world, today this year – April 12th 2020, is Palm Sunday. Truly Palm Sunday is also a day of great hope as is Easter Day as we acknowledge Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Some may ponder, why would Eastern Orthodox Christians acknowledge Easter (or Pascha) at a different day than the Western Christian world. It does occur every so many years, that the calendar date for Easter actually coincides.
The Western Christian church calendar sets Easter each year to be the first Sunday after the first full moon of Spring. The Eastern Orthodox Christian world calendar holds these same considerations, however also adds that Easter must come after Jewish Passover. This leads to a direct match every so often, and out to almost a five week separation on some other years.
What is really important to me is not whether we have the same date for Easter, rather that we give thanks to our Good Lord for the gift of salvation and forgiveness which Easter represents to me.
Let’s give thanks and be thankful for our many, many blessings! Blessed (and Happy) Easter ! And, may you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy during these trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alpha Omega Portal - alphaomegaportal.org 