Will the True Easter Please Stand Up!

                                             Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Easter Eve Holy Fire

 Christ is risen from the dead,

Trampling down death by death,
And upon those in the tombs
Bestowing life!

Orthodox Hymn, sung since the 2nd Century

Just when I thought I had the annual timing for Easter figured out...

As you likely know, Jewish Passover and Christian Easter roam around the Spring calendar because they are lune-y, tied to the full moon around the Spring equinox. The two festivals often overlap, but not always, as was the case this year. 

You may also have noticed that this year Orthodox Christian Easter was this past Sunday, five weeks after the Roman Catholic and Protestant celebration. Huh? It turns out that in the Orthodox tradition Easter must be celebrated after Passover, a logical progression, so because Pesach was later Easter was as well. Ya live and ya learn.

I saw that the Holy Fire was kindled at the Church of the Holy Selpulchre this past Saturday, part of the ancient tradition related to this site purported to be the place of the tomb where the crucified Jesus' body was laid. Last year the RC, Protestant, and Orthodox Easter celebrations coincided and we went on Easter Eve to this church while in Jerusalem. It was a few hours after the lighting of the fire but the building was alive with singing monks and pilgrims, a remarkable experience. 

Are you thoroughly confused now? Of course, the true Easter is the one in our hearts as followers of the Risen Christ.