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Document Details :

Title: The Long Way to a Common Easter Date
Subtitle: A Catholic and Ecumenical Perspective
Author(s): GROEN, Bert
Journal: Journal of Eastern Christian Studies
Volume: 63    Issue: 3-4   Date: 2011   
Pages: 353-376
DOI: 10.2143/JECS.63.3.2149626

Abstract :
Firstly, the origins of the Julian, Gregorian, and Meletian calendars, the twentieth-century debate on a fixed Easter date, and different Roman-rite calendars are outlined. Secondly, the 1997 Aleppo Statement on an ecumenical common Easter date and the positive reactions from the North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation from 1998 and 2010 are discussed. Thirdly, some serious inter-ecclesiastical obstacles as well as recent proposals that the Roman Catholic Church adapt to the Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Easter calculation are examined. On the one hand, these proposals are commendable, on the other, major challenges must be faced. The article concludes with several considerations, inter alia the suggestion of a possible ‘bridge’ role of the Eastern-Catholic Churches.