Özet:

This study addresses the challenges that arise while determining the date of Easter, one of the most important holidays in Christianity, along with the astronomical calculation methods employed to overcome these challenges and the ensuing religious debates. The fluctuating date of Easter, which holds both historical and religious significance in the Christian world, has led to disagreements among churches and sparked numerous controversies. It is understood that these disputes originate from a range of practical and theological issues. The study initially delves into the practical aspect of the matter, exploring how astronomical calculation methods are utilized to determine Easter dates and striving to convey technical knowledge in this domain to readers. This is essential as the interplay between lunar and solar movements is pivotal in establishing the Easter date. Clarifying these methods is believed to enhance comprehension of the evolving history of Easter. Another facet of the subject is the theological dimension. Distinct churches harbor varying perspectives on Easter dates, which can result in divisions and disagreements, impacting both worship and theology. Therefore, this research focuses on the historical debates surrounding Easter dating from the early centuries of Christianity to the 7th century, encompassing different calendar cycles and the Easter dispute between the Roman and Celtic churches. The article presents the backdrop of this issue, the calculation methods employed, and the ensuing controversies. The ongoing lack of a universally shared Easter date among Christians, even today, renders this topic worthy of exploration. In this context, the study adopts a descriptive and historical approach to meticulously analyze the challenges of determining the Easter date and the origins of divergent viewpoints. The primary objective of this study is to enrich the field of the History of Religions by enhancing understanding of religious practices, historical and theological disagreements, cultural interactions, and religious diversity.

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