Easter dates
The difference between Orthodox and Catholic Easter — explained, with dates for 2026-2035
Orthodox and Catholic Easter often fall on different dates. Find out why the difference exists, how each date is calculated, and see the comparison table for the years below.
- Years compared
- 10
- Years they coincide
- 3
- Widest gap
- 35 days
Comparison table — Orthodox vs Catholic Easter (2026-2035)
| Year | Orthodox Easter | Catholic Easter | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 days | ||
| 2027 | 35 days | ||
| 2028 | Same date | ||
| 2029 | 7 days | ||
| 2030 | 7 days | ||
| 2031 | Same date | ||
| 2032 | 35 days | ||
| 2033 | 7 days | ||
| 2034 | Same date | ||
| 2035 | 35 days |
Why Is There a Difference?
1. Different Calendars
The Orthodox Church calculates the date of Easter using the Julian calendar, while the Catholic Church uses the Gregorian calendar. The Julian calendar differs from the Gregorian by 13 days.
2. The Passover Rule
The Orthodox Church follows the tradition that Christian Easter must fall after Passover (the Jewish Pesach). The Catholic Church does not apply this rule strictly.
How Is Easter Calculated?
Both churches use the principle set at the Council of Nicaea: Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox.
When Will They Coincide Again?
- 2028 — 16 April
- 2031 — 13 April
- 2034 — 9 April
Frequently asked questions
The difference has two main causes: (1) the Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar, while the Catholic Church uses the Gregorian calendar; (2) Orthodox Easter must always fall after the Jewish Passover.
Orthodox and Catholic Easter coincide roughly once every 3-4 years. Between 2026 and 2035, they coincide in: 2028 (16 April), 2031 (13 April), and 2034 (9 April).
The Julian calendar was introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BC. It is off by about 11 minutes a year. The Orthodox Church uses it to calculate Easter.
The Gregorian calendar was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 to correct the drift of the Julian calendar. It is the civil calendar in use today.
The largest possible gap is 5 weeks (35 days).