Orthodox Easter occurred on April 12, 2026 -- one week after Western Easter on April5 5-- due to the Eastern Orthodox Church's continued use of the Julian Calendar to calculate Easter, while the Catholic and Protestant Churhes use the Gregorian Calendar.. Orthodox Christians also maintain that Easter must fall after the Jewish Passover.
Across Orthodox Churches worldwide -- from Greece, Russia, Egypt,Ethiopia, Romania, and diaspora communities -- the celebration began late on Holy Saturday, April 11, 2026.
Churches were completely darkened as the faithful gathered in silence.
Just before midnight, the priest lights a single candle, symbolizing Christ's rising from the tomb.
The flame is passed from person to person until the entire church glows with candlelight.
At midnight , the priest proclaims: "Christos Anesti." (Christ is risen) and the people respond :"Alithos Anesti." (Truly He is risen).
The Paschal Divine Liturgy follows with many parishes communing all Orthodox Christians present.
This moment -- darkness shattered by light -- is the heart of Orthodox Pascha.
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