Hi, Guest
Eastern rite churches (Ukrainian Orthodox) celebrate Easter this year on Sunday, April 12. The eastern rite churches use the Julian calendar for religious purposes as the Gregorian calendar is kinda related to the Catholic church (Pope Gregories calendar is more accurate than the older Julian calendar). Add in the fact that many dates from earlier times were not that accurate or known, and that is why we sometimes celebrate religious holidays on different days.
Last year, Easter was on the same date, both Catholic and Orthodox; this year the two are a week apart; next year the two dates are March 27 (Catholic) and May 1 (Orthodox). But it gives us two holidays to celebrate (most years.)
For what it worth, Christmas is supposed to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, except no-one recorded births accurately, especially for common folks. It was a Roman emperor that renamed the older pagan festivals celebrating the winter solstice as the birth date of Jesus Christ. Even the year is not known (some external data suggests 4 BC). But then, any date is a reason for celebration.
Last year, Easter was on the same date, both Catholic and Orthodox; this year the two are a week apart; next year the two dates are March 27 (Catholic) and May 1 (Orthodox). But it gives us two holidays to celebrate (most years.)
For what it worth, Christmas is supposed to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, except no-one recorded births accurately, especially for common folks. It was a Roman emperor that renamed the older pagan festivals celebrating the winter solstice as the birth date of Jesus Christ. Even the year is not known (some external data suggests 4 BC). But then, any date is a reason for celebration.