The Romanian Orthodox Church has torpedoed plans for a common date for Easter for all Christian confessions. Last week Pope Francis repeated his call for all Christian Churches to celebrate Easter Sunday on the same day. Following the 2016 Primates Meeting, the Most Rev. Justin Welby told reporters at the closing press conference that he supported Francis’ plans, and that he hoped a common date could be found within five to ten years. In a statement issued on 28 January 2025 the Press Office of the Romanian Patriarchate reported:
Following a recent statement by Pope Francis regarding the establishment of a common date for the celebration of the Resurrection of the Lord, we wish to clarify that any consultation on the date of Easter and a possible decision can only take place within the framework of a future Pan-Orthodox Council, with the participation of all sister Orthodox Churches.
This initiative aligns with the ongoing efforts on this matter, taking into account the significant recommendation of the Synaxis of the Primates and Representatives of the Orthodox Churches, convened from January 21-28, 2016, at the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Center in Chambésy.
During this meeting, it was emphasized: “Regarding the issue of the Calendar, it is appropriate for each Church to freely implement what it considers beneficial for the spiritual formation of its faithful, but without altering the common date of the celebration of Easter by all Orthodox.”
Therefore, any initiative concerning the date of Easter can only be addressed within the context of a Pan-Orthodox Council.
Press Office of the Romanian Patriarchate
