In 2026, Catholics and Orthodox Christians will celebrate Easter on different dates.

According to ТСН: Due to different calendar systems, Catholics and Orthodox Christians usually celebrate Easter (the Resurrection of Christ) on different days, and the year 2026 will be no exception.

Easter among Catholics

In the Western tradition, which is followed by the Roman Catholic Church and most Protestant communities, Easter is celebrated on April 5, 2026. This date is determined by the Gregorian calendar: it is the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs after the vernal equinox.

Easter among Orthodox Christians

Orthodox Christians calculate Easter according to the Julian (Revised Julian) calendar. Due to the difference between the Julian and Gregorian calendars and specific church rules, in 2026, Orthodox Easter will be celebrated on April 12—a full week later than among Catholics.

Common principle of calculation

This difference occurs regularly. Despite the different calendars, the principle of calculation remains the same: the Resurrection is celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs after the vernal equinox.

Thus, in 2026, Catholics will celebrate Easter in early April, while Orthodox Christians will celebrate it a week later. These two holidays not only reflect different traditions but also highlight the diversity of Christian rites around the world. Although the dates of celebration differ, the essence of Easter—the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ—remains common.