when do orthodox celebrate easter

Orthodox Christians usually celebrate Easter on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox , with the date often landing between April 4 and May 8 on the Gregorian calendar. The exact day can differ from Western Easter because Orthodox churches traditionally use the Julian calendar for the calculation.

Quick answer

For 2026 , Orthodox Easter is Sunday, April 12, 2026.

It can sometimes fall on the same day as Western Easter, but often it is later.

Why the date changes

• The date is tied to the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox.

• Orthodox churches generally follow the Julian calendar for this calculation, which is why the date often differs from the Gregorian calendar used in most countries.

• In practice, that usually places Orthodox Easter somewhere from April 4 to May 8.

2026 date at a glance

Year	Orthodox Easter
2026	April 12, 2026