How is Easter Sunday Date Determined

Orthodox Easter date calculation

The first step in calculating Orthodox Easter is to determine the date of the vernal equinox. Since the Julian calendar is slightly inaccurate in its calculation, the date of the vernal equinox has shifted over time. The Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar to calculate the date of Easter, so the date of the vernal equinox is different from the date of the vernal equinox in the Gregorian calendar.

Once the date of the vernal equinox has been determined, the next step is to calculate the date of the paschal full moon. The paschal full moon is the first full moon after the vernal equinox. The date of the paschal full moon can occur as early as March 22 and as late as April 25.

Once the date of the paschal full moon has been determined, the next step is to calculate the date of Easter Sunday. Easter Sunday is the first Sunday after the paschal full moon.

Example

This year, the vernal equinox occurred on March 20. The paschal full moon occurred on April 3. Easter Sunday is the first Sunday after the paschal full moon, so Easter Sunday this year is on April 5.

Upcoming Easter Dates

Pascha 2025 - April 20 2025

Pascha 2026 - April 12 2026

Pascha 2027 - May 2 2027

Pascha 2028 - April 16 2028