In 2026, Christians of different denominations will once again celebrate Easter on different dates. Roman Catholics will celebrate Easter on April 5, while Orthodox and Greek Catholics will celebrate the Resurrection of Christ on April 12.
This difference is explained by the different calendar systems used by the churches. The Roman Catholic Church determines the date of Easter according to the Gregorian calendar, while most Orthodox and Greek Catholics follow the Julian calendar. This is why the celebrations often do not coincide.
Easter is considered one of the most important Christian holidays, along with Christmas. However, unlike Christmas, its date is not fixed. It changes every year, as it is determined by a special church formula that takes into account not only the calendar, but also the lunar cycle.
According to the traditional rule, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs after the spring equinox. That is why the date of the holiday is constantly changing and can fall on different days of spring.
Sometimes the celebration of Easter by Eastern and Western Christians coincides. For example, in 2025, all denominations celebrated Easter at the same time - on April 20. However, in most years, there is a difference of one or even several weeks between the dates.
Preparations for Easter begin long before the holiday itself. After Maslenitsa, which in 2026 lasted from February 16 to 22, Lent began. It lasts 40 days and is considered a period of spiritual purification, prayer, and abstinence.
The fast ends before Palm Sunday, the feast of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem. In 2026, Orthodox and Greek Catholics will celebrate it on April 5.
The last week before Easter is called Passion Week. During this period, special services are held in churches, during which the last days of Jesus Christ's earthly life, his suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection are remembered.
