Contact: Roy Lloyd, American Bible Society, 212-408-8731, rlloyd@americanbible.org; Rebecca Silver, RLM Public Relations, 212-741-5106 ext 218, abs@RLMpr.com

NEW YORK, March 7 /Christian Newswire/ -- The American Bible Society is reminding people that the Easter holiday, the annual celebration of Jesus' Resurrection, will occur on March 23, 2008, in the Western Church tradition. This is the first year since 1913 that Easter has been celebrated as early as this date, and it will not be until 2035 that Easter is again observed this early.

Easter is a moveable feast, so to speak, because it is not fixed in relation to the civil calendar and every year when the winter thaw begins, there is uncertainty as to its exact date. Easter is observed on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the Spring Equinox (March 20 or 21, depending on the Earth's position). Easter is calculated according to lunar and solar calendars and is on a different date each year.

For Western Christians who follow the Gregorian (or solar) calendar, the date can occur from late March to late April. Eastern Orthodox Christians, who follow the Julian (or lunar) calendar, celebrate between early April and early May. Most Christians celebrate Easter with families and friends sharing traditions that often go back several generations – attending special religious services and sharing bountiful meals.

The American Bible Society is pleased to dispel any confusion and begin a new annual custom: To announce each year when the celebration of Jesus' Resurrection occurs.

Founded in 1816 and headquartered in New York City, the mission of the American Bible Society is to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so that all people may experience its life-changing message. The American Bible Society Web site is www.Bibles.com.