www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life The Christian East & West Common Easter date?

That is indeed correct. A number of posts by me and others have given links and references, even from Orthodox sources, that discuss the topic and clearly conclude that the intent of the Nicaean directive is that the determine of Pascha is to be totally independent of the dating of Passover.

Those who keep insisting and repeating that Pascha (Easter) must follow Passover need to reexamine what that means. Passover lasts for 7 days, and the "celebration" of the first Pascha itself, the Resurrection, whether one uses the synoptic or John's sequence of events, took place within, and not after those 7 days.

Consider the situation this year. For Passover it is stated: link [when-is.com]

So according to the Gregorian and astronomical reckoning, using the above and the information I provided in a previous post:

March 20 vernal equinox
April 8 Wednesday night, begin Passover -- meal
April 9 full moon
April 12 next Sunday, Pascha
April 15 end Passover

Coincidentally, much like the timing as in the Gospels. So why having to wait an extra week? I use this only as another example of the inconsistency in the erroneous insistence on the need for Pascha-after-Passover.


Yes.


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I sincerely wish those about to celebrate the Resurrection a blessed and holy Pasch. I say that with fraternal affection and joy. There is no good reason that we should not be celebrating our common feast of the Resurrection at the same time. There is also no good reason why that should not be done in best conformity with the directives of Nicaea.

Last week, looking up in the sky, as usual for the celebration of Great Week and Pascha, the moon was very full. That is something I've looked forward to seeing. Those who will observe Pascha on the 19th will do so well and with devotion. But knowing the directives of Nicaea, directives that they insist be followed, they should look up in the night sky and ask, "how full is our Paschal moon?"

Kali Anastasi!

Fr. Serge

Then perhaps it would be best to just stay silent.

Ahh, the recluse comes out of reclusion for advice so sound, I have given my own self such before, and as often as not (when I read this forum anymore) I actually DO follow!

That is to say when I actually do get around to checking into this forum anymore and reading it, as often as not, I leave it in about the same state I came, gracing it with my silence and not afflicting or challenging the established with opinions outside of what the chorus sings.

If and when I respond and get such responses, it only confirms me in my more common decision to remain silent.

Have a terrific day and keep me in your prayers.

Oddly enough, the discrepancy has to do with sidereal time, so when looking up in the sky one would do well to look beyond the moon!

Fr. Serge

APPLAUSE!!! Wonderful come back!

Very odd indeed since it is not true! It seems an effective justification of the Julian calendar/paschaliion is to keep repeating (we've been over this before) the same erroneous statements as though they were fact. What makes the statement even more absurd is that the Julian calendar/paschalion is not based on sidereal time either.

A good calendar, one that keeps one special season, or all the seasons on an average fixed to (a) given calendar date(s), is NOT BASED ON SIDEREAL TIME. Neither the old Julian nor the Gregorian calendars are based on sidereal time, but rather on what is called tropical time. For the case of a Christian calendar, this is not even the mean (average) tropical time based on all the seasonal changes (at equinoxes and solstices) but one special seasonal change, the northern hemisphere spring equinox (also called solar time).

Furthermore, according to the accepted prescription, Pascha is the Sunday following a full moon. I can understand why some would prefer "to look beyond the moon", however, since its phase is quite telling. Considering "Nicaea", judge for yourself (eve of Pascha; virtual images from the US Navy website link [tycho.usno.navy.mil]; civil calendar dates):

Gregorian, April 11, 2009 --- 20 hrs ET
[Linked Image]









Julian, April 18, 2009 --- 20 hrs ET
[Linked Image]

LOL! Not quite common enough!

You are always in my prayers.

The issue, the problem, is that the address-ing and the subsequent amen-ing ignore that the original hash-ing conveyed faulty information and argued based on the acceptance of erroneous facts that are then inexplicably repeated even after being informed of the correction. Consider that first and then by all means apply the logic and determine who's afraid of change?

Amen Father!

One is entitled to a last refuge in a simple "Amen," but realize, at the least, that it ultimately is against facts, reason, sun, moon, seasons and the prescriptions commonly accepted as deriving from the First Council of Nicaea.

Thank you.
I have been reading your "facts".
I'll stick with Tradition.

Always stick with Tradition, but be willing to see traditions for what they are.

I do not want to misrepresent the issues or facts, so please inform me of any wrong or misleading information that you think I may have advanced.

I am not accusing you of misrepresenting anything. It is obvious that this subject is near and dear to you. However, the Orthodox (and some Eastern Catholics) are very pleased to celebrate the pious Julian Calendar (or revised Julian).

Besides, the Holy Fire in Jerusalem will not ignite if we were to change to the Gregorian obsevance.

Wrong about the "near and dear" -- I have, however, become determined that this subject not be misrepresented (on this forum at least) as it has been in the past, and that rather blatantly.

Just winking speculation and as I understand it, something that would not be a problem.