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Easter · Worksheet C1

Why Can't Christians Agree on One Easter?

Read the passage and answer the questions. (CEFR B1–B2)

ClassNo.Name
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1In 2025, something unusual happened: Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox Christians all celebrated Easter on the same day, April 20. It was also the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, where bishops first tried to give Christians a common way to set the date. Many church leaders hoped the coincidence would lead to a permanent shared date.

2The problem is not the rule itself, which both sides accept, but the calendar used to apply it. Western churches switched to the Gregorian calendar after 1582, while Orthodox churches still calculate Easter with the older Julian calendar and its lunar tables. As a result, the two dates can be up to five weeks apart, as they will be in 2027. In other years they fall on the same Sunday, so families with both Catholic and Orthodox members sometimes celebrate twice and sometimes only once.

3For many believers, changing the calculation is not a simple technical fix. The Julian calendar is part of their identity, and giving it up can feel like surrendering to the West. The debate shows how a question about the moon can also be a question about history, power, and belonging.

Comprehension

  1. What is the main idea of the passage?

    A Western and Orthodox churches use different calendars for Easter, and changing this is difficult for reasons beyond science.B The Council of Nicaea created the Gregorian calendar.C Christians stopped arguing about Easter after 2025.D Orthodox Christians do not accept the rule for setting the date of Easter.

  2. What was special about 2025?

    A Easter came five weeks later than usual.B The Orthodox churches started to use the Gregorian calendar.C All Christians celebrated Easter on the same day, 1,700 years after the Council of Nicaea.D Church leaders agreed on a permanent shared date.

  3. According to paragraph 2, why can the two Easter dates be different?

    A Because the Orthodox churches use a different rule.B Because Western churches celebrate Easter on a Saturday.C Because the moon looks different in the East and the West.D Because the churches use different calendars to apply the same rule.

  4. What can we infer about families with both Catholic and Orthodox members in 2027?

    A They will celebrate Easter only once.B They will probably celebrate Easter twice.C They will not be allowed to celebrate Easter.D They will celebrate Easter on April 20.

  5. In paragraph 1, the word 'coincidence' is closest in meaning to

    A a long and serious meetingB a rule made by church leadersC two things happening at the same time by chanceD a difference between two calendars

  6. Why does the writer say that 'a question about the moon can also be a question about history, power, and belonging'?

    A To show that the date of Easter is connected to people's identity, not only to calculation.B To argue that scientists should decide the date of Easter.C To explain how to see the full moon in spring.D To suggest that churches should stop using the moon.
© 原田英語 ｜ 世界の行事・祝日ナビ ｜ haradaeigo.com/holiday/Easter · C1
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Easter · Worksheet C2

Vocabulary, Paraphrase & Summary

Match the words with the definitions. Then rewrite and summarize.

ClassNo.Name
  1. anniversary
  2. coincidence
  3. permanent
  4. calculate
  5. lunar
  6. technical
  7. identity
  8. surrender
  1. to stop fighting and accept that the other side has won
  2. a day that is exactly a year or a number of years after an important event
  3. a situation in which two things happen at the same time by chance
  4. lasting for a very long time or for all time
  5. to find a number or an answer by using math
  6. connected with the moon
  7. connected with the practical or scientific way something works
  8. the things that make a person or group who they are

Paraphrase — say it in your own words

1. “The problem is not the rule itself, which both sides accept, but the calendar used to apply it.”

Hint: Make two sentences. Start with 'Both sides agree on ...'.

2. “As a result, the two dates can be up to five weeks apart, as they will be in 2027.”

Hint: Use 'so' and 'as much as'. Give the year as an example.

3. “The Julian calendar is part of their identity, and giving it up can feel like surrendering to the West.”

Hint: Explain the feeling with 'If they stop using ...'.

Summary

Summarize the passage in about 50 words.

© 原田英語 ｜ 世界の行事・祝日ナビ ｜ haradaeigo.com/holiday/Easter · C2
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Easter · Worksheet C3

Debate & Opinion Essay

Prepare for a debate. Then write your opinion (100–150 words).

ClassNo.Name
Motion: All churches should celebrate Easter on the same date.
FOR 賛成
  • Families with both Catholic and Orthodox members could celebrate together every year, not just sometimes.
  • A shared date would show unity, and bishops at the Council of Nicaea already tried to give Christians a common way to set the date 1,700 years ago.
  • One date would be simpler for schools, workplaces, and public holidays in countries with both kinds of churches.

Add your own reason:

AGAINST 反対
  • The Julian calendar is part of Orthodox identity, and giving it up can feel like surrendering to the West.
  • Each church should be free to keep its own history and tradition without pressure from others.
  • The two dates already match in some years, so a forced change may cause more conflict than it solves.

Add your own reason:

OpinionI believe / I think that …
Reason 1First, … For example, …
Reason 2Second, … In fact, …
CounterSome people say … However, …
ConclusionIn conclusion, …
© 原田英語 ｜ 世界の行事・祝日ナビ ｜ haradaeigo.com/holiday/Easter · C3