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 2026

January 25Zacchaeus Sunday
February 1Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee
February 8Sunday of the Prodigal Son
February 15Meatfare Sunday (Sunday of the Last Judgment)
February 22Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare)
February 23Great Lent Begins (Monday)
March 1Triumph of Orthodoxy
March 8Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
March 15Sunday of the Holy Cross
March 29Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
April 5Palm Sunday (Great Lent ends; Holy Week begins)
April 12Great and Holy Pascha: the Feast of Feasts
April 19St. Thomas Sunday (1st Sunday after Pascha)
April 26The Myrrh-Bearing Women (2nd Sunday after Pascha)
May 3The Paralyzed Man (3rd Sunday after Pascha)
May 10The Samaritan Woman (4th Sunday after Pascha)
May 17The Blind Man (5th Sunday after Pascha)
May 21The Ascension of our Lord (Thursday)
May 24The Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council (6th Sunday after Pascha)
May 31Pentecost
June 7Sunday of All Saints