Orthodox Calendar 2027

Orthodox Calendar 2027

The Orthodox Christian calendar for 2027 is centered on Pascha, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which falls on Sunday, May 2, 2027.

Because Pascha occurs relatively late in 2027, the entire movable liturgical cycle also falls later in the spring.

Great Lent begins on Monday, March 15, Palm Sunday falls on April 25, Ascension is celebrated on June 10, and Pentecost falls on June 20.

This 2027 Orthodox Calendar brings together:

• Pascha and the Paschal cycle
• Great Lent and Holy Week
• The Twelve Great Feasts
• Major Orthodox fasting periods
• Important saints' days
• Fixed and movable feasts
• New Calendar and Old Calendar dates
• Traditional Orthodox feast icons

Important: Orthodox jurisdictions do not all use the same calendar for fixed feasts. The primary dates below follow the civil dates commonly used by Orthodox jurisdictions observing the Revised Julian calendar for fixed feasts while retaining the traditional Orthodox Paschal cycle.

Old Calendar / Julian dates are explained separately below.

Orthodox Calendar 2027 at a Glance

When Is Orthodox Easter in 2027?

Orthodox Pascha falls on Sunday, May 2, 2027.

Pascha is the central celebration of the Orthodox Christian year.

It commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and stands above all other feasts.

Orthodox Christians often call Pascha:

the Feast of Feasts.

Orthodox Pascha 2027

When Does Great Lent Begin in 2027?

Great Lent begins on Monday, March 15, 2027.

In the Byzantine Orthodox tradition, the first day of Great Lent is called Clean Monday.

The weeks immediately before Great Lent gradually prepare Orthodox Christians for the fasting season.

Pre-Lenten Sundays in 2027

February 14 — Zacchaeus Sunday

Zacchaeus Sunday is an early sign that the Lenten season is approaching.

February 21 — Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee

This Sunday begins the period of the Lenten Triodion and emphasizes humility and repentance.

February 28 — Sunday of the Prodigal Son

The Gospel of the Prodigal Son focuses on repentance, return, and the mercy of God.

March 7 — Meatfare Sunday

Also known as the Sunday of the Last Judgment, Meatfare Sunday is traditionally the final day before the Lenten period when meat is eaten.

March 14 — Cheesefare Sunday

Cheesefare Sunday is also called Forgiveness Sunday.

Great Lent begins the following day.

Great Lent 2027

Great Lent begins on March 15.

The Lenten journey then leads toward:

• Lazarus Saturday — April 24
• Palm Sunday — April 25
• Holy Week — April 26 through May 1
• Pascha — May 2

Sundays of Great Lent 2027

When Is Palm Sunday in 2027?

Palm Sunday falls on April 25, 2027.

Orthodox Christians commemorate the Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

The traditional feast icon is the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem.

When Is Orthodox Holy Week in 2027?

Orthodox Holy Week runs from Monday, April 26 through Saturday, May 1, 2027.

Orthodox Holy Week 2027 Dates

What Icon Is Used for Pascha?

The central traditional Orthodox Pascha image is the Resurrection / Anastasis Icon.

Christ is shown victorious over death, raising Adam and Eve while the broken gates of Hades lie beneath Him.

This icon expresses the theological meaning of Pascha:

Christ has conquered death.

Bright Week 2027

The week immediately after Pascha is called Bright Week.

In 2027, Bright Week runs from:

May 3 through May 8.

It is one of the most joyful periods of the Orthodox liturgical year.

Paschal Sundays After Easter 2027

When Is Ascension in 2027?

The Ascension of Christ falls on Thursday, June 10, 2027.

The feast is celebrated forty days in the Paschal cycle.

The traditional Ascension Icon shows Christ in glory while the Theotokos and Apostles gather below.

When Is Orthodox Pentecost in 2027?

Orthodox Pentecost falls on Sunday, June 20, 2027.

Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.

The traditional Pentecost Icon shows the Apostles gathered together in an ordered assembly.

When Is All Saints Sunday in 2027?

The Orthodox Sunday of All Saints falls on June 27, 2027.

In the Byzantine tradition, All Saints is celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost.

The Twelve Great Feasts in 2027

The Orthodox Church celebrates twelve major feasts associated with Jesus Christ and the Theotokos.

Pascha stands separately above them as the Feast of Feasts.

2027 Twelve Great Feasts Calendar

January 2027 Orthodox Calendar

January 1 — Circumcision of Christ and Saint Basil the Great

January 1 includes the feast of the Circumcision of Christ and the commemoration of Saint Basil the Great.

January 6 — Theophany

Theophany commemorates the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan.

The traditional icon shows:

• Christ standing in the Jordan
• Saint John the Baptist
• The Holy Spirit represented as a dove
• Angels attending the event

January 7 — Synaxis of Saint John the Baptist

The day following Theophany honors Saint John the Forerunner, who baptized Christ.

February 2027 Orthodox Calendar

February 2 — Meeting of the Lord

The Meeting of the Lord commemorates the presentation of Christ in the Temple and His meeting with Simeon and Anna.

February 14 — Zacchaeus Sunday

The first major signal that the Paschal preparation is approaching.

February 21 — Publican and Pharisee

The Lenten Triodion begins.

February 28 — Prodigal Son

The Church reflects on repentance, return, forgiveness, and the mercy of God.

March 2027 Orthodox Calendar

March 7 — Meatfare Sunday

The Sunday of the Last Judgment.

March 14 — Forgiveness Sunday

The final Sunday before Great Lent.

March 15 — Clean Monday

Great Lent begins.

March 21 — Sunday of Orthodoxy

The first Sunday of Great Lent commemorates the restoration of the veneration of icons.

March 25 — Annunciation

The Annunciation commemorates Archangel Gabriel announcing to the Theotokos that she would bear Jesus Christ.

March 28 — Saint Gregory Palamas Sunday

The second Sunday of Great Lent commemorates Saint Gregory Palamas.

April 2027 Orthodox Calendar

April 4 — Sunday of the Holy Cross

The Cross is placed at the center of the Lenten journey.

April 11 — Saint John Climacus Sunday

The fourth Sunday of Great Lent commemorates Saint John Climacus, author of The Ladder of Divine Ascent.

April 18 — Saint Mary of Egypt Sunday

The fifth Sunday of Great Lent remembers Saint Mary of Egypt as a powerful example of repentance.

April 24 — Lazarus Saturday

The Church commemorates Christ raising Lazarus from the dead.

April 25 — Palm Sunday

The Entry of Christ into Jerusalem.

April 26–30 — Holy Week

The final days before Pascha commemorate Christ's Passion.

May 2027 Orthodox Calendar

May 1 — Holy Saturday

Great and Holy Saturday stands immediately before the celebration of the Resurrection.

May 2 — Holy Pascha

Christ is Risen!

Pascha is the central Orthodox feast of 2027.

May 3–8 — Bright Week

The celebration of the Resurrection continues throughout Bright Week.

May 9 — Thomas Sunday

The Church remembers the Apostle Thomas encountering the risen Christ.

May 16 — Myrrh-Bearing Women

The women who came to the tomb are commemorated as witnesses of the Resurrection.

May 23 — Sunday of the Paralytic

This Sunday belongs to the Paschal Gospel cycle.

May 26 — Midfeast of Pentecost

Mid-Pentecost marks the midpoint between Pascha and Pentecost.

May 30 — Samaritan Woman

The Church remembers Christ's meeting with the Samaritan woman.

June 2027 Orthodox Calendar

June 6 — Sunday of the Blind Man

The final major Sunday before Ascension.

June 10 — Ascension of Christ

Christ's Ascension is celebrated forty days in the Paschal cycle.

June 13 — Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council

This Sunday commemorates the Fathers connected with the First Ecumenical Council.

June 20 — Holy Pentecost

The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.

June 27 — All Saints Sunday

The first Sunday after Pentecost celebrates all the saints.

June 28 — Apostles' Fast Begins

The Apostles' Fast is exceptionally short in 2027.

It begins on June 28 and leads directly to the feast of Saints Peter and Paul.

June 29 — Saints Peter and Paul

The Church honors the foremost Apostles Peter and Paul.

July 2027 Orthodox Calendar

July contains many important saints' commemorations even though it does not contain one of the Twelve Great Feasts in the Revised Julian fixed cycle.

This is a good month for families to explore:

• Patron Saints
• Apostles
• Martyrs
• Local Orthodox saints

August 2027 Orthodox Calendar

August 1 — Dormition Fast Begins

The Dormition Fast prepares Orthodox Christians for the Dormition of the Theotokos.

August 6 — Transfiguration of Christ

The Transfiguration Icon shows Christ in glory with:

• Moses
• Elijah
• Peter
• James
• John

August 15 — Dormition of the Theotokos

The Dormition commemorates the falling asleep of the Mother of God.

In the traditional Dormition Icon, Christ stands beside the Theotokos and receives her soul.

August 29 — Beheading of Saint John the Baptist

The Beheading of Saint John the Forerunner is an important commemoration and traditionally a fast day.

September 2027 Orthodox Calendar

September 1 — Beginning of the Ecclesiastical Year

The Byzantine Orthodox liturgical year traditionally begins September 1.

September 8 — Nativity of the Theotokos

The feast celebrates the birth of the Virgin Mary.

September 14 — Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The Church celebrates the Holy Cross of Christ.

The feast is traditionally observed as a fast day.

October 2027 Orthodox Calendar

October includes many important commemorations of saints and regional feasts.

Depending on jurisdiction and local tradition, October can include especially prominent commemorations of:

• Apostles
• Hierarchs
• Monastic saints
• Wonderworking icons of the Theotokos

November 2027 Orthodox Calendar

November 15 — Nativity Fast Begins

The Nativity Fast prepares Orthodox Christians for the birth of Jesus Christ.

It continues through December 24 in jurisdictions observing December 25 Christmas.

November 21 — Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple

This Great Feast remembers the traditional account of the young Virgin Mary entering the Temple.

December 2027 Orthodox Calendar

December 24 — Eve of the Nativity

The final day of preparation before the Nativity of Christ.

December 25 — Nativity of Christ

The Nativity celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

The traditional Orthodox Nativity Icon brings together several parts of the Gospel and liturgical story, including:

• Christ Child
• The Theotokos
• Joseph
• The cave
• The star
• Angels
• Shepherds
• Magi

Orthodox Fasting Calendar 2027

Four major fasting seasons shape the Orthodox year.

Major Orthodox Fasts in 2027

Why Is the Apostles' Fast So Short in 2027?

The beginning of the Apostles' Fast depends on the movable Paschal cycle, while the feast of Saints Peter and Paul is fixed.

Because Pascha falls late on May 2 in 2027, Pentecost also occurs late on June 20.

All Saints Sunday follows on June 27, and the Apostles' Fast begins on June 28.

The feast of Saints Peter and Paul follows on June 29.

This makes the 2027 Apostles' Fast only one day long in the OCA-style calendar.

Wednesday and Friday Fasting in 2027

In ordinary weeks, Wednesday and Friday remain traditional Orthodox fast days.

Wednesday recalls Christ's betrayal.

Friday recalls His Crucifixion.

However, the liturgical calendar also includes fast-free periods and days with modified fasting rules.

Major Fast-Free Periods in 2027

Examples include:

• The week following the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee
• Bright Week after Pascha
• The week following Pentecost
• The festal period following the Nativity

Exact fasting practice should be checked against the calendar of your own Orthodox parish or jurisdiction.

Orthodox Calendar 2027: New Calendar vs Old Calendar

One of the most confusing parts of the Orthodox calendar is that Orthodox Christians may celebrate the same fixed feast on different civil dates.

This happens because some Orthodox Churches use the Revised Julian calendar for fixed feasts, while others continue to use the traditional Julian calendar.

During the twenty-first century, the Julian calendar is 13 days behind the Gregorian civil calendar.

Major Old Calendar Feast Dates in 2027

Is Orthodox Christmas January 7 in 2027?

For Orthodox Christians following the Julian calendar, Christmas observed during the civil year 2027 falls on January 7, 2027.

However, the liturgical date is still December 25 on the Julian calendar.

The next Julian-calendar Christmas after that will fall on January 7, 2028 in the Gregorian civil calendar.

Do All Orthodox Christians Celebrate Christmas on January 7?

No.

Orthodox Christians following the Revised Julian calendar celebrate the Nativity on December 25, 2027.

Orthodox Christians following the Julian calendar will celebrate Julian December 25 on January 7, 2028.

Does the Calendar Difference Change Pascha in 2027?

Many Orthodox jurisdictions that differ over fixed feast calendars still follow the common traditional Orthodox Paschal cycle.

For those jurisdictions, Pascha is celebrated together on:

May 2, 2027.

Orthodox Feast Icons for 2027

Each major feast has a traditional icon that helps explain the event visually.

How to Use Feast Icons During 2027

A simple home prayer corner can keep foundational icons of Christ and the Theotokos permanently displayed.

Then add or give greater prominence to the icon associated with the current feast.

For example:

• January — Theophany Icon
• March — Annunciation Icon
• April — Entry into Jerusalem and Crucifixion Icons
• May — Resurrection / Anastasis Icon
• June — Ascension and Pentecost Icons
• August — Transfiguration and Dormition Icons
• December — Nativity Icon

2027 Orthodox Feast Icon Calendar

Orthodox Name Days in 2027

In addition to major feasts, every day of the Orthodox calendar includes commemorations of saints.

A person's Name Day is usually connected with the feast of their Patron Saint.

How Do I Find My Orthodox Name Day in 2027?

First determine exactly which saint is your Patron Saint.

Then check that saint's feast day according to the calendar used by your parish.

This is important because:

• Several saints may have the same name
• Some saints have several commemorations
• Old Calendar and New Calendar civil dates may differ

Can a Saint Have More Than One Feast Day?

Yes.

Additional commemorations may be connected with:

• Translation of relics
• Discovery of relics
• A particular miracle
• A local historical event

Orthodox Calendar 2027 for Families

The Orthodox calendar can become a simple part of family life without trying to memorize hundreds of dates.

Start With Pascha

Mark May 2 first.

Add Great Lent

Mark March 15 as the beginning of Great Lent.

Add Holy Week

Mark April 26 through May 1.

Add the Major Feasts

Then add:

• Theophany
• Annunciation
• Ascension
• Pentecost
• Transfiguration
• Dormition
• Nativity

Add Family Patron Saints

Finally, mark the Name Days of each family member.

Teaching Children the Orthodox Calendar in 2027

One of the easiest approaches is to connect each major date with an icon.

For example:

• Christmas → Nativity Icon
• Theophany → Baptism of Christ Icon
• Annunciation → Annunciation Icon
• Palm Sunday → Entry into Jerusalem Icon
• Pascha → Resurrection / Anastasis Icon
• Pentecost → Pentecost Icon
• Transfiguration → Transfiguration Icon
• Dormition → Dormition Icon

This turns the calendar from an abstract list of dates into a visual story of the Christian year.

Which Orthodox Calendar Should I Follow in 2027?

If you regularly attend an Orthodox parish, the most practical answer is:

follow the calendar used by your parish and jurisdiction.

This keeps your:

• Fast days
• Feast days
• Holy Week
• Services
• Saint commemorations

aligned with the community where you worship.

Why Do Different Orthodox Calendars Show Different Dates?

Differences may result from:

• Julian vs Revised Julian calendar use
• Local saints
• Jurisdictional traditions
• Different feast ranks
• Regional commemorations

This does not necessarily mean that one calendar contains an error.

Is There One Universal Orthodox Calendar for 2027?

There is a widely shared Orthodox Paschal cycle and a large common body of feasts and saints.

However, there is no single civil-date calendar used identically by every Orthodox jurisdiction worldwide.

This is why a good Orthodox calendar should always explain which calendar system it follows.

Orthodox Calendar 2027: Key Dates to Remember

Orthodox Calendar 2027 FAQ

When is Orthodox Easter in 2027?

Orthodox Pascha falls on Sunday, May 2, 2027.

When does Orthodox Lent begin in 2027?

Great Lent begins on Monday, March 15, 2027.

When is Orthodox Palm Sunday in 2027?

Palm Sunday falls on April 25, 2027.

When is Orthodox Holy Week in 2027?

Holy Week runs from April 26 through May 1, 2027.

When is Orthodox Good Friday in 2027?

Great and Holy Friday falls on April 30, 2027.

When is Orthodox Ascension in 2027?

The Ascension falls on Thursday, June 10, 2027.

When is Orthodox Pentecost in 2027?

Orthodox Pentecost falls on Sunday, June 20, 2027.

When is Orthodox All Saints Day in 2027?

In the Byzantine Orthodox calendar, the Sunday of All Saints falls on June 27, 2027.

When is the Apostles' Fast in 2027?

In the OCA-style calendar, the Apostles' Fast begins on June 28 and is exceptionally short in 2027 because the feast of Saints Peter and Paul follows on June 29.

When is the Dormition Fast in 2027?

The Dormition Fast runs from August 1 through August 14, leading to the Dormition on August 15.

When does the Nativity Fast begin in 2027?

The Nativity Fast begins on November 15 for jurisdictions celebrating Christmas on civil December 25.

When is Orthodox Christmas in 2027?

Orthodox Christians using the Revised Julian calendar celebrate Christmas on December 25, 2027.

Those using the Julian calendar celebrated the Christmas season falling within civil 2027 on January 7, 2027, while Julian December 25, 2027 corresponds to January 7, 2028.

Why are there two Orthodox Christmas dates?

The difference comes from the calendar used for fixed feasts.

Some Orthodox Churches use the Revised Julian calendar, while others continue to use the traditional Julian calendar.

When is Theophany in 2027?

New Calendar Orthodox Christians celebrate Theophany on January 6.

For Julian-calendar observance, January 6 Julian corresponds to January 19 Gregorian during the twenty-first century.

When is the Annunciation in 2027?

The Annunciation falls on March 25 on the Revised Julian calendar and corresponds to April 7 for Julian-calendar observance.

When is Transfiguration in 2027?

Transfiguration is celebrated on August 6 on the Revised Julian calendar and August 19 as the current civil equivalent for Julian-calendar observance.

When is Dormition in 2027?

Dormition is celebrated on August 15 on the Revised Julian calendar and August 28 as the current civil equivalent for Julian-calendar observance.

What is the most important Orthodox feast in 2027?

Pascha, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, remains the central Feast of Feasts. In 2027 it falls on May 2.

What icon should be displayed for Pascha 2027?

The traditional central Orthodox Pascha image is the Resurrection / Anastasis Icon.

What icon should be displayed for Christmas 2027?

The traditional Christmas image is the Nativity of Christ Icon.

Can I rotate feast icons throughout 2027?

Yes.

A family can keep Christ and the Theotokos permanently in the prayer corner while displaying the current feast icon more prominently.

Which Orthodox calendar should I follow?

If you belong to an Orthodox parish, follow the calendar used by that parish and its jurisdiction.

Orthodox Calendar 2027: The Short Answer

The most important Orthodox dates of 2027 are:

• March 15 — Great Lent begins
• April 25 — Palm Sunday
• April 26–May 1 — Holy Week
• May 2 — Holy Pascha
• June 10 — Ascension
• June 20 — Pentecost
• June 27 — All Saints Sunday
• June 28 — Apostles' Fast begins
• August 6 — Transfiguration
• August 15 — Dormition
• September 1 — Orthodox Ecclesiastical New Year
• November 15 — Nativity Fast begins
• December 25 — Nativity of Christ for Revised-Julian-calendar jurisdictions

Orthodox jurisdictions using the Julian calendar celebrate fixed feasts 13 civil days later during the twenty-first century.

Pascha on May 2, 2027 is the center of the year, and the dates of Great Lent, Holy Week, Ascension, Pentecost, All Saints, and the beginning of the Apostles' Fast are all determined in relation to it.

Explore the Orthodox Church Year

Continue with Mercy Fold's Orthodox calendar and icon guides:

• Orthodox Calendar
• Orthodox Feast Days
• The Twelve Great Feasts
• Orthodox Fasting Calendar
• Icons for Feast Days
• Best Icons for Christmas
• Best Icons for Pascha
• Orthodox Nativity Icons
• Orthodox Resurrection Icons
• Orthodox Crucifixion Icons
• Orthodox Saints FAQ
• Prayer Corner FAQ

Use the 2027 calendar to follow the Church year, prepare for major fasting seasons, celebrate the feasts, remember Patron Saints and Name Days, and rotate traditional feast icons through your home prayer corner.