How is Easter calculated?
Q: When will Western and Eastern Easter next be celebrated on the same day again?
A: 16th of April 2028
When Is Easter? And When Will the Two Easters Align Again?
Easter is one of the most important holidays in Christianity, but unlike Christmas, its date changes every year—and not everyone celebrates it at the same time. In fact, Western Christians (like Roman Catholics and most Protestants) and Eastern Orthodox Christians often celebrate Easter on different dates. So, how is Easter calculated, and when will both branches celebrate it on the same day again?
How Easter Is Calculated
The date of Easter is based on a lunar calendar, not the solar calendar we use every day. Specifically:
- Western Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox (which is fixed as March 21).
- Eastern Orthodox Easter uses the Julian calendar to calculate the same basic rule—but since the Julian calendar is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar (used in the West), the Orthodox Easter usually falls later.
Additionally, the Orthodox Church also requires that Easter must occur after Jewish Passover, to maintain the historical sequence of events in the Gospels. This extra condition often pushes the Orthodox Easter even further out.
When Will They Be on the Same Day Again?
Although the dates usually differ, every so often they align. The next time both Western and Eastern Christians will celebrate Easter on the same day is: April 16, 2028
This overlap happens about every few years, but it's not very predictable due to the complexities of both calendar systems.
So if you're looking for a rare moment of shared celebration across Christian traditions, mark your calendar for April 20, 2025. Until then, enjoy learning the fascinating history and astronomy behind this moveable feast!