Today is Easter Sunday for much of the Western world. However, in my home growing up, the day feels a little different. My family is Russian Orthodox. This means we follow the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian one. Yes, our holidays often land on different dates than everyone else’s. Friends and social media are filled with pastel eggs, chocolate bunnies, and sunrise services this weekend. My family’s Easter—Pascha—will not arrive for another week, but I still crave those mainstream Easter goodies. As a child, I coveted my classmates’ holiday treats. It is a rhythm I have known my whole life. It always made me feel a bit out of step with mainstream culture.
I was baptized in the Russian Orthodox Church. I attended Orthodox services every Sunday for years. It was during a very tender, searching time in my life. This was especially true when I first got sick. But, my spiritual path has taken some beautiful turns. These days, my boyfriend and I celebrate his Roman Catholic traditions with real enthusiasm and joy. We throw ourselves into it fully. We plan on attending Mass. We will observe the full Holy Week. We will also share in the resurrection joy on his Easter morning.
It feels natural and right. I attended a Catholic high school, and those years left a lasting imprint on me. The rituals resonated with me. I was touched by the reverence and the rich sense of community. The deep focus on Christ’s sacrifice and triumph all resonated with me. There is something profoundly moving about the the solemnity of Good Friday, and the triumphant Easter Vigil. I learned to love the beauty and structure of Catholic worship, and that appreciation has only grown stronger in adulthood.
My biological family is preparing for their Paschal celebration next weekend. My chosen family—my boyfriend and I—will be lighting candles in the future. We will sing church songs and soak in every moment of our future Easter Sundays together. It is a lovely reminder that faith is not always one straight path. Sometimes it weaves together different traditions, calendars, and experiences into something uniquely meaningful.
I feel incredibly blessed. I hold space for both my Orthodox heritage and the Catholic traditions I have come to cherish. They both point to the same risen Lord, after all. This year, my heart is full of gratitude. Love has expanded my spiritual world. It has not shrunk it.
Happy Easter to all who are celebrating today. And to my fellow Orthodox family and friends—see you next week when our Pascha arrives. ️
Kat’s Musings 