Bulgaria and Greece have adopted the New Julian calendar (coincides with the Gregorian calendar); Western Christians living according to the Gregorian calendar already celebrated Easter on March 31. In Ukraine, the Gregorian calendar is adopted by Ukrainian Catholics, Greek Catholics, and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (Patriarchate of Constantinople). The Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) follows the Julian calendar. So even in Ukraine, Easter is celebrated twice.


Belarusian culture is very similar to Russian culture, but has its own differences. Belarusian culture is more archaic and conservative, this is especially noticeable in villages where people keep ancient rituals and traditions. In big cities the differences with Russian culture are almost imperceptible. Belarusian Christians also belong to different confessions and celebrate Easter at different times. Catholics make up 25% of the population of Belarus and are mainly concentrated in the West of the country, in the Hrodna region. This year they also celebrated Easter together with Western Christians on March 31.