Archbishop Charles Scicluna. Photo: Chris Sant FournierArchbishop Charles Scicluna yesterday welcomed the possibility that Christians around the world could soon celebrate Easter on the same date every year.
“An agreement on when to celebrate Easter would be a welcome blessing for Christians all over the world,” Mgr Scicluna said.
He was reacting to the news that the centuries-long problem of when to celebrate Easter could soon be resolved.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, head of the Church of England, announced on Friday that he was in talks with Pope Francis, Coptic leader Pope Tawadros, and the leader of the Orthodox Church, Patriarch Bartholomew, to fix a single date for celebrating Easter.
In June, the Pope signalled a willingness to set a single date, saying “we have to come to an agreement” on a date that is common for all Christians around the world.
An agreement on when to celebrate Easter would be a welcome blessing for Christians all over the world
Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the Paschal full moon, which is the first full moon occurring on or after the spring equinox. It is the first full moon on or after March 21. As a result, Easter could fall on any Sunday between March 22 and April 25.
The change could have an effect on annual activities which are often moved around to fit in with Easter celebrations.
This year, the feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck in Valletta will be celebrated at the end of this month, as for the first time in nearly 80 years, February 10 will mark Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.
According to Canon Law, no religious celebrations can be held on this day, marking the start of a 40-day penitential period leading to Easter, which this year will be celebrated on March 27.
A fixed date for Easter could also make carnival dates more permanent, since the festivities are held just before Ash Wednesday.
While discussions on the matter are still in their initial stages, the Archbishop of Canterbury said a fixed date could be introduced in the next five to 10 years.