Difference a Boon to Some Families

Not everybody sees such a big problem in celebrating Easter on different days. Greg and Georgia Wood may be typical of some mixed-marriage couples in that two Easters gives them a chance to celebrate with each side of the family.

Georgia is Greek Orthodox. Her husband Greg belongs to the Advent Christian Church and his parents live 200 miles away from their home in Winston-Salem, N.C.

“The belief is basically the same — there is a difference on the calendar date,” Greg said. “For us that has worked out real well, with my family being out of town. We said we wished all holidays would be like that. It makes it easier for us to spend appropriate time with both families.”

This year is harder because Easter falls on the same date for both families, Georgia said. The Woods came up with a compromise: they will be in Winston-Salem during most of Holy Week and take part as much as possible in the services at the Orthodox church. Then they would spend Easter day with Greg's family.

Georgia remembers one advantage the Orthodox always had growing up: They could buy their Easter candy on discount after the Western Easter passed.

Wes Young

Palestinian Christians celebrate Easter Sunday Mass at Holy Family Church in Gaza City on March 31, amid the ongoing battles Israel and the Hamas militant group.

People Explain ‘Why I Go to Mass’

‘Why go to Mass on Sundays? It is not enough to answer that it is a precept of the Church. … We Christians need to participate in Sunday Mass because only with the grace of Jesus, with his living presence in us and among us, can we put into practice his commandment, and thus be his credible witnesses.’ —Pope Francis