Orthodox Easter (Pascha)
2026Sunday, April 12
Quick Facts
- Date
- Sunday, April 12, 2026
- Observed in
- Bulgaria, Belarus, Cyprus, Georgia, Greece +7 more
- Type
- Religious Holiday
What is Orthodox Easter (Pascha)?
Orthodox Easter, known as Pascha, is the most significant and joyous feast in the Orthodox Christian calendar. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, occurring on a different date than Western Easter due to the use of the Julian calendar for calculation. The word "Pascha" derives from the Hebrew "Pesach" (Passover), connecting the resurrection to the Jewish festival.
When is Orthodox Easter (Pascha) 2026?
Orthodox Easter (Pascha) is on Sunday, April 12 in 2026. Check the dates and days for other years in the table below.
History & Origin
The celebration of Pascha dates back to the earliest days of Christianity. The Council of Nicaea in 325 AD established that Easter should be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. Orthodox churches continue to use the Julian calendar for this calculation, which typically results in a date 1-5 weeks after Western Easter, though occasionally they coincide.
How It's Celebrated
Orthodox Easter traditions are rich and symbolic. The Paschal Vigil, held on Saturday night, culminates at midnight with the proclamation "Christ is Risen!" and the response "Truly He is Risen!" exchanged in various languages. Red-dyed eggs symbolize the blood of Christ and new life. Traditional foods include lamb, paska (Easter bread), and kulich (sweet bread). The Holy Fire ceremony in Jerusalem is broadcast worldwide.
Where It's Observed
Orthodox Easter (Pascha) is a public holiday in 12 countries. In 2026, it falls on Sunday, April 12.
🇧🇬Bulgaria(Великден)Public Holiday
🇧🇾Belarus(Вялікдзень)Public Holiday
🇨🇾Cyprus(Πάσχα)Public Holiday🇬🇪Georgia(აღდგომა)Public Holiday
🇬🇷Greece(Πάσχα)Public Holiday🇲🇩Moldova(Paștele)Public Holiday
Fun Facts
- The Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is believed to miraculously appear each year on Orthodox Holy Saturday.
- In Greece, the tradition of throwing pots and pans from windows on Holy Saturday morning symbolizes casting out the old.
- Russian Orthodox Easter eggs (pysanky) are elaborately decorated with intricate patterns using a wax-resist dyeing method.
- The Paschal greeting is exchanged with three kisses on the cheeks in many Orthodox countries.
- Orthodox Easter can fall between April 4 and May 8, while Western Easter falls between March 22 and April 25.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Orthodox Easter on a different date?
Orthodox churches use the Julian calendar to calculate Easter, while Western churches use the Gregorian calendar. Additionally, Orthodox Easter must fall after Jewish Passover.
What is the Holy Fire ceremony?
The Holy Fire is a ceremony held annually in Jerusalem where a flame is said to miraculously appear in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, then distributed to Orthodox faithful worldwide.
What foods are traditional for Orthodox Easter?
Traditional foods include red-dyed eggs, lamb, paska or kulich (Easter bread), and various dishes that break the Great Lent fast.
Travel Inspiration
Planning a trip around Orthodox Easter (Pascha)? Explore our travel guides for destinations where this holiday is celebrated.
