Eastern Orthodox Christians Observe Easter This Sunday

Faithful follow Julian calendar, celebrate resurrection a week later than Western Christians.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:35am

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An abstract, blurred image of an Eastern Orthodox church interior, with glowing candles, ornate iconography, and worshippers in prayer, conveying a sense of reverence and spiritual atmosphere.The ethereal glow of candlelight and rich religious imagery set the mood for Eastern Orthodox Christians' joyous celebration of Easter.Johnstown Today

While most Christian denominations celebrated Easter on April 5th, Eastern Orthodox Christians who follow the Julian calendar will observe the holiday this Sunday, April 13th. The faithful have been observing Holy Week, during which clergy and church members have been 'reliving the great mysteries of salvation' leading up to the celebration of Jesus' resurrection.

Why it matters

The Eastern Orthodox Church follows the older Julian calendar, which results in their Easter observance falling a week later than Western Christian denominations that use the Gregorian calendar. This difference in calendars reflects the historical schism between the Eastern and Western branches of Christianity.

The details

Eastern Orthodox Christians have been participating in Holy Week rituals and services to commemorate the final days of Jesus' life, leading up to the joyous celebration of his resurrection on Easter Sunday. The observances include special liturgies, fasting, and other traditions that differ somewhat from Western Christian Easter practices.

  • Easter is celebrated on April 13, 2026 by Eastern Orthodox Christians.
  • Holy Week observances leading up to Easter began on April 6, 2026.

The players

Eastern Orthodox Church

A Christian denomination that follows the older Julian calendar, resulting in their Easter observance falling a week later than Western Christian churches.

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The takeaway

The divergent Easter observances between Eastern Orthodox and Western Christian churches highlight the historical and theological differences that have existed between the two major branches of Christianity for centuries.