Easter

 Christmas is always 25 December.

The Feast of the Holy Name is always 1 January.

The Feast of the Transfiguration is always 6 August.


These feasts never change.  One can mark the liturgical year by them.


So why does Easter change around so much?  It is like we can not make up our minds when to celebrate the joy and hope of the Resurrection.


What is with that??


In the early days of the Christian church, the date for Easter varied widely.  There was not a set date.  Thus churches celebrated Easter at different times.

King Oswy of Northumbria called a council to determine whether his kingdom would follow the customs of the Eastern churches or of the West ones.  The Council of Whitby met in 664.  Both East and West sent representatives to present their case to King Oswy.

The customs of the West won out and the Roman dating for Easter (among other things) was adopted.  Over time the customs of Rome and the Roman Catholic Church rose to prominence.  The following formula is used to date Easter for Churches in the West:

*The first Sunday

*After the first full moon

*Following the vernal (spring) equinox


Because they use a different calendar, our Orthodox brothers and sisters in the East celebrate Easter on a different day.  Sometimes a month can separate Western and Eastern Easters!!  Every so often the two Easters fall on the same day.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Meme

Image
 Recently, I posted the following meme from Clergy Coaching Network: Needless to say, this post got a few angry faces (for a variety of reasons, I imagine).  I can only guess in a few cases.  Perhaps for some it comes too close to home, even if they may not realize it.  The meme also sparked some comments about what is the past.  This, and another post concerning what churches need to unlearn, has me thinking. Most congregations are stuck.  Those who are in the pews recall a "Golden Age," when the pews were filled, Sunday Schools rooms were packed, and several choirs existed.  There is an inherent longing to go back to those days without much work to make that happen.  Often, this is coupled with a lack of imagination that resists any form of change or innovation that may be much needed. Churches seem to have lost the concept that the people are the ministers.  The people, not the clergy, are responsible for their churches' mission and ministry.  We, as the church, need t
Read more

September Lion's Roar

September is gearing up to be a very busy month!   Of course, there is the start of a new school year for our students, teachers, and staff.   We pray for a safe and successful academic year.   All who are involved in education are invited to bring their backpacks or book bags for a blessing on Sunday, 10 September.   I will welcome you up to the Altar rail following the Offering and offer a prayer for the coming school year over you. September means that it is also time to get back to our academic year programming.   There will be lots to participate in and be a part of here at St. Mark’s as well as at All Saints’.   Please read on to learn more about Sunday School, Bible study, and some other opportunities for fellowship, fun, and food.   You’ll also want to stay tuned to your weekly announcements and eNotes as well for additional information and/or updates.   And, please, spread the word to your friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Last month, I introduced the first two of “The Te
Read more

Disturbing Trends, Part II

 My first post in this series may give the impression that I am against the Church.  Or that I am jaded or on the verge of burn out.  None of this is the case.  I love the Church, that wonderful and mystical company of believers.   I did not grow up in the Church.  That happened later.  I deliberately chose the Church, time and time again. Nor am I seeking to judge. criticize, or whine.  I am simply making some observations of things that I have seen as both a member and an ordained minister. Finally, this list is not in any particular order nor is it meant to be exhaustive.  I welcome your thoughts and insights on what you are seeing in the church. 6) This follows number five.  With faith being a private matter, discipleship and even worship have all too often become passive spectator sports.  Jesus tells His followers that being a follower is not about being a B.I.P. (bottom in the pew).  Discipleship is meant to be an active, daily part of the life of a follower. 7) Even worse, are
Read more