Romanian Church opposes joint Easter celebration with Catholics

The Patriarchal Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen on the Patriarchal Hill. Photo: tripadvisor.ru

On January 18, 2025, the Romanian Orthodox Church declared that changing the unified date of Easter celebration would only be possible after a Pan-Orthodox Council, reports the press office of the Romanian Patriarchate.

The statement, published on the Romanian Church's official website, reads: "Following the recent statement by Pope Francis about establishing a unified date for the celebration of the Resurrection of the Lord, we clearly emphasize that any consultations regarding the date of Easter and potential decisions can only take place within the framework of a future Pan-Orthodox forum – a Synod involving all sister Orthodox Churches."

The initiative aligns with the broader approach discussed during the Synaxis of Primates and Representatives of Orthodox Churches, held from January 21–28, 2016, at the Center of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Chambésy. The Synaxis recommended: "Concerning the calendar issue, it is entirely appropriate that each Church should be free to practice what it deems suitable for the spiritual edification of its faithful, but without altering the common date of Easter celebration for all Orthodox Christians."

The Romanian Church emphasizes that the date of Easter can only be addressed within the context of a Pan-Orthodox Council.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Pope Francis called on Christians to establish a unified date for Easter.

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