Journey to Pascha

There are twelve major feasts during the year, but there is only one Feast of Feasts: Pascha! The date on which Pascha falls determines the dates for many significant events in the church year, from the pre-Lenten period through Pentecost.

The preparation for Pascha begins several weeks in advance of Great Lent. Each Sunday leading up to Pascha has its own theme and iconography. Services are more frequent during this period, and many are not offered any other time during the church year. If you are interested in the Orthodox Church, this is a great opportunity to come and explore. Check our calendar on the home page for the full schedule of services.

The Sundays immediately following Pascha also have distinct themes, leading up to the Feast of Pentecost.

Dates for 2023

January 29Zacchaeus Sunday
February 5Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee
February 12Sunday of the Prodigal Son
February 19Meatfare Sunday (Sunday of the Last Judgment)
February 26Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare)
February 27Great Lent Begins (Monday)
March 5Triumph of Orthodoxy
March 12Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
March 19Sunday of the Holy Cross
April 2Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
April 9Palm Sunday (Great Lent ends; Holy Week begins)
April 16Great and Holy Pascha: the Feast of Feasts
April 23St. Thomas Sunday (1st Sunday after Pascha)
April 30The Myrrh-Bearing Women (2nd Sunday after Pascha)
May 7The Paralyzed Man (3rd Sunday after Pascha)
May 14The Samaritan Woman (4th Sunday after Pascha)
May 21The Blind Man (5th Sunday after Pascha)
May 25The Ascension of our Lord (Thursday)
May 28The Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council (6th Sunday after Pascha)
June 4Pentecost
June 11Sunday of All Saints