WHEN EASTER BRINGS US TOGETHER: ORTHODOX AND CATHOLIC TRADITIONS

If you're visiting Bulgaria this Easter, you’re in for a unique experience.

In 2025, something special happens – Catholic and Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter on the same day, April 20. Although the traditions differ, the spirit of the holiday is the same: joy, renewal, and hope.

Let’s explore the main similarities and differences between Catholic and Orthodox Easter – so you know what to expect, and can enjoy this special time with locals.

Shared Beliefs

Both Catholics and Orthodox Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter. It is the most important Christian Holiday, symbolising new life, hope, and victory over death.

Different Calendars

• Catholics use the Gregorian calendar (introduced in 1582).
• Orthodox Christians follow the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind.

That’s why Easter usually falls on different dates. But in 2025, they match!

Fasting and Preparation

• Both churches prepare for Easter with a 40-day fast.
• Orthodox Christians fast more strictly – no meat, dairy, or even oil on some days.
• Catholics usually fast only on Fridays and especially on Good Friday, avoiding meat.

Church Service

• In Orthodox countries like Bulgaria, Easter services start at midnight. People hold candles while walking around the church and greet each other with:
• “Christ is Risen!” – “Truly He is Risen!”
• Catholic services are usually held on Saturday evening or Sunday morning, with greetings like:
• “Happy Easter!” or “He is Risen!”

Food and Festive Meals

In Bulgaria (Orthodox tradition):

• Colorful dyed eggs (the first one is always red)
• Sweet Easter bread called "kozunak"
• Roast lamb

In Catholic countries, each culture has its own Easter food:

• Italy – Colomba Pasquale (Easter dove-shaped cake)
• Germany – Osterlamm (lamb-shaped sponge cake)
• Poland – Żurek (sour rye soup with sausage and eggs)

Symbols of Easter

• Eggs symbolize new life and the empty tomb of Jesus.
• Both churches also use symbols like the cross, lamb, and light.
• In Orthodox tradition, red eggs represent the blood of Christ.
• In Catholic countries, colorful eggs are often used in children’s games like the Easter egg hunt.

Bulgaria is mostly Orthodox, but we welcome many visitors from Catholic countries, like Italy, France, Poland, Germany, and more. Learning about each other’s Easter traditions is a beautiful way to connect and understand.

Even if the customs are different, the message is the same: hope, renewal, and love.

This year, Easter brings us together. It's a rare chance to celebrate as one – across countries, traditions, and churches.

Christ is Risen!
Happy Easter!