Christian Cyclopedia

Arose from lack of uniform time of celebrating the Christian Passover. The E Ch. commemorated the death of Christ on the 14th (hence “Quartodecimans,” from Lat. for “14th”) of Nisan, and as a result on any day of the week; the W commemorated the death of Christ on a Friday and the resurrection on the Sunday following. The former practice emphasized Christ's death, the latter His resurrection. The difference was discussed by Polycarp* and Anicetus.* Under Victor* I it almost led to a schism. The 325 Council of Nicaea* declared itself against the Quartodecimans, who were henceforth treated as heretics. In the W the controversy was ended by the Syn. of Whitby.* See also Church Year, 7; Polycrates; Sunday Letter.