EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill proclaims the seven-day period in each year starting on Orthodox Easter Sunday as Eastern Orthodox Christian Week.

Bill 161 2023

An Act to proclaim Eastern Orthodox Christian Week

Preamble

Orthodox Easter Sunday, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is the most significant and holy day in the Eastern Orthodox Christian Calendar.

The Eastern Orthodox Christian Church has over two hundred and twenty million followers across the world, mainly situated in Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia. Although a minority faith in Ontario, Eastern Orthodox Christians have settled here for generations and have established active churches and cultural associations which add to the diverse cultural fabric of our province.

Faith is a central part of many people’s culture and identity. Proclaiming Eastern Orthodox Christian Week recognizes and celebrates the unique faith, culture, traditions and history of Eastern Orthodox Christians in Ontario and across the world.

Therefore, His Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Eastern Orthodox Christian Week

1 The seven-day period in each year starting on Orthodox Easter Sunday is proclaimed as Eastern Orthodox Christian Week.

Commencement

2 This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short title

3 The short title of this Act is the Eastern Orthodox Christian Week Act, 2023.