Easter, is the principal festival of the Christian church year, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his Crucifixion. This festival occurs on a particular Sunday, on varying dates and is therefore called a movable feast. Its importance is emphasized in the worship of the church by the long preparation of Lent (40 days); by Holy Week, with its solemn services; and by the following 50 days until Pentecost.
Issue date: 2004-03-05