When is Orthodox Easter 2024: Orthodox Easter, affectionately known as Pascha, isn’t just a date on the calendar. It’s a radiant celebration bursting with significance for millions around the globe. Picture this: it’s a time of jubilation, of renewed faith, and of profound reflection on the cornerstone of Christian belief—the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This vibrant festival, deeply rooted in Eastern Christian tradition, marks the triumphant moment when Christ emerged from the grip of death, showcasing his divinity and vanquishing the shadow of mortality. It’s not just a historical event; it’s the heartbeat of Christian faith, pulsating with the promise of eternal life.
But here’s the twist: while Western Christianity often marks Easter earlier in the calendar, Orthodox Easter dances to its own rhythm. Sometimes it aligns with its Western counterpart, but often it takes its own sweet time, arriving a week, or perhaps even several weeks later. It’s this delightful unpredictability that adds a touch of magic to the season.
Now, let’s talk calendars. In the West, Easter’s date dances between March and April, following the Gregorian calendar’s cues. Meanwhile, in the East, it’s the Julian calendar that sets the stage. With a 13-day gap between the two, Orthodox Easter paints its canvas with dates ranging from April 4 to May 8. Yet, amidst this calendar juggling, both traditions find common ground in celebrating Easter on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox—always making sure it’s after Passover, of course.
So, as spring blossoms forth and the world awakens from its wintry slumber, Orthodox Easter stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in life’s darkest moments, there’s always the promise of light and resurrection.
Eastern Orthodox vs Western Orthodox Dates’
| Year | WesternEaster | OrthodoxEaster |
| 2010 | April 4 | |
| 2011 | April 24 | |
| 2012 | April 8 | April 15 |
| 2013 | March 31 | May 5 |
| 2014 | April 20 | |
| 2015 | April 5 | April 12 |
| 2016 | March 27 | May 1 |
| 2017 | April 16 | |
| 2018 | April 1 | April 8 |
| 2019 | April 21 | April 28 |
| 2020 | April 12 | April 19 |
| 2021 | April 4 | May 2 |
| 2022 | April 17 | April 24 |
| 2023 | April 9 | April 16 |
| 2024 | March 31 | May 5 |
| 2025 | April 20 | |
| 2026 | April 5 | April 12 |
| 2027 | March 28 | May 2 |
| 2028 | April 16 | |
| 2029 | April 1 | April 8 |
| 2030 | April 21 | April 28 |
Dates for Orthodox Easter in Upcomingx years
| When is …? | Date | Day of the week | Days away |
| Orthodox Easter 2019 | April 28, 2019 | Sunday | 1788 days ago |
| Orthodox Easter 2020 | April 19, 2020 | Sunday | 1431 days ago |
| Orthodox Easter 2021 | May 2, 2021 | Sunday | 1053 days ago |
| Orthodox Easter 2022 | April 24, 2022 | Sunday | 696 days ago |
| Orthodox Easter 2023 | April 16, 2023 | Sunday | 339 days ago |
| Orthodox Easter 2024 | May 5, 2024 | Sunday | in 46 days |
| Orthodox Easter 2025 | April 20, 2025 | Sunday | in 396 days |
| Orthodox Easter 2026 | April 12, 2026 | Sunday | in 753 days |
| Orthodox Easter 2027 | May 2, 2027 | Sunday | in 1138 days |
| Orthodox Easter 2028 | April 16, 2028 | Sunday | in 1488 days |
| Orthodox Easter 2029 | April 8, 2029 | Sunday | in 1845 days |
What Do People Do on Orthodox Easter 2024?
For many Orthodox Christians, Easter isn’t just a holiday – it’s a triumph. Marked on the Julian calendar’s Easter Sunday, it’s seen as the crown jewel of the church year. The path to this pinnacle begins 40 days prior, with a period of dedicated fasting, a spiritual cleanse known as Great Lent. As Holy Week unfolds, leading up to Easter Sunday, church attendance soars as Orthodox faithful immerse themselves in liturgical observances.
Even across the Atlantic, echoes of these traditions resonate. Some Russian Orthodox American families continue the poignant practice of placing Easter eggs and bread on the graves of loved ones. It’s a symbolic gesture, a way to share the joyous news of Christ’s resurrection with those who have passed on. For their Greek Orthodox counterparts, Easter brings the irresistible aroma of tsoureki, a special Easter bread, wafting from kitchens. And no feast is complete without the centerpiece – roasted lamb.
Finally, the grand finale arrives: the blessing of food baskets. These aren’t your average picnic baskets. Overflowing with breads, cheeses, meats, eggs, and other delicacies, they represent the end of the fasting period. With a priest’s blessing, these baskets mark a joyous return to a full table, a celebration of Easter’s bounty and the promise of new life.