Pascha

What is Pascha, and why does Eastern Christianity use it to refer to Easter?

Easter in Eastern Christianity is celebrated with the word Pascha, a term that’s commonly employed by the Eastern Orthodox, Eastern Catholic, and other Christian traditions to name the festival of Easter. The term “Pascha” is derived from the Hebrew term “Pesach” or “Passover”. This association reflects the intimate affinity between the Jewish Passover and the Christian celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, both holidays indelibly connected to salvation and redemption.

Pascha is a deeply reverent day in Eastern Christian culture with a midnight liturgical celebration ending with the announcement of the resurrection of Christ. It features specialised prayers, hymns and feasts and is traditionally on a different day than Easter in the Western Christian calendar, due to variations in the calculation of the date.

Its focus on Christ’s triumph over death and its promise of eternal life is what make Pascha the most meaningful and festive celebration of Eastern Christianity.