Quartodecimanism

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Quartodecimanism is a historical Christian practice that commemorated Christ's death on the day of Passover, specifically on the fourteenth day of Nisan according to biblical dating. This tradition was popular in Asia Minor, Jerusalem, and Syria, but it was rejected by churches in other regions.

The term "quartodeciman" comes from the Vulgate Latin quarta decima, meaning "fourteenth." According to this practice, Easter should be celebrated on the 14th day of Nisan, regardless of which day of the week it falls on. This tradition was also known as Tetradites or Quartodesimanes.

The quartodeciman practice originated in Asia Minor and Jerusalem during the early Christian period. Polycarp, a bishop from Smyrna, is mentioned as celebrating Easter on the 14th day of Nisan, along with other Asiatic Christians. The Montanists, a Christian sect that emerged later, also adopted this tradition.

The quartodeciman practice was first recorded in disputes over the date of celebration for the Lord's Supper (Eucharist), known as Paschal/Easter controversies. In mid-2nd century, the practice in Asia Minor and Jerusalem diverged from the Roman custom of celebrating Easter on Sundays. Aniket, the pope of Rome, and Polycarp of Smyrna served the Eucharist together, but a dispute arose between Victor, Bishop of Rome, and Polycrates, Bishop of Ephesus.

The First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE attempted to resolve this issue by establishing a uniform date for Easter. However, local church councils continued to meet, and each preserved its tradition of celebrating Easter on the 14th day of Nisan or a Sunday close to it. Constantine the Great's decision to extend the Roman custom of celebrating Easter to all Christian communities helped solidify the quartodeciman practice in Eastern Christianity.

Despite being rejected by Western churches, the quartodeciman tradition continued to be observed in Asia Minor and other regions until its eventual decline with the rise of Western Christianity. Today, this historical practice remains an important part of Christian history and theology, highlighting the diversity and evolution of early Christian traditions.