Patriarch urges unified Easter

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, based in Istanbul, has once again proposed the idea of celebrating Easter on the same day for both the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches.

Addressing those who oppose this idea, Bartholomew, spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians, clarified that the agreement would focus solely on the date of Easter, not joint services. In his sermon for St Nicholas' feast, he expressed optimism about reaching a permanent agreement with Pope Francis, especially as Easter 2025 coincides for both Eastern and Western Christianity.

He also indicated that Anglican and other Protestant churches might adopt this unified date in future.