Orthodox Easter

Orthodox Easter, also known as Pascha, is recognised as the most significant and sacred season in the Orthodox Christian Church's calendar. Celebrated worldwide by Orthodox Christians, it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, an event at the heart of Christian faith. The holy week preceding Orthodox Easter is marked by numerous church services, each representing a different stage of Christ's Passion, culminating in the Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Due to the Julian calendar's application, Orthodox Easter often falls on a different date than Western Christian Easter. It's noted that the first Orthodox Christians in Australia were the Russian settlers who arrived in the 19th Century, and since then, the population has grown, particularly from the influx of Greek, Serbian, and Lebanese immigrants in the 20th Century. In Australia, Orthodox Easter has come to incorporate a mix of traditions from various Orthodox nationalities, making it a uniquely multicultural event.

In Australia, Orthodox Easter observances mirror worldwide Orthodox Easter practices but with a distinctive Australian touch. Parishioners attend liturgical services throughout Holy Week, which include the Divine Liturgy and the Midnight Office. On Easter Sunday, people gather with family and friends to break their Lenten fast and celebrate the Resurrection. Services often conclude with the distribution of red eggs symbolising Christ's blood. The dates for the celebration in Australia will typically coincide with the same dates that Orthodox Easter is observed globally. However, this celebration occurs after the Western Easter due to the use of a different calendar.