Orthodox Palm Sunday 2027 falls on Sunday, April 25, 2027. It is observed one week before Orthodox Pascha (Easter), which falls on May 2, 2027.
Western churches celebrate Palm Sunday on March 21, 2027, so the two dates are 35 days apart. Orthodox Christians call the day the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem.
Why Orthodox Palm Sunday Is Later in 2027
Most Orthodox churches set Pascha using the Julian calendar’s method for the spring equinox. The Julian calendar currently runs 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar, which pushes the Orthodox date later.
Orthodox tradition also holds that Pascha should follow Jewish Passover. Passover 2027 runs from April 22 to April 29, so Pascha on May 2 falls after it ends. The Western date, March 28, does not follow Passover, which creates the five-week gap.
The Council of Nicaea in 325 AD laid the foundation for both methods. For background, see Britannica’s overview of Easter.
How Orthodox Christians Observe Palm Sunday
Services on this day follow a distinct pattern:
- Vigil on Saturday evening: Many parishes hold Vespers the night before.
- Palm blessing: The priest blesses palm branches, olive branches, or pussy willows, depending on the region.
- Divine Liturgy: The Gospel reading recounts the entry into Jerusalem.
- Bridegroom Matins: Evening services begin Sunday night and continue through Wednesday.
Palms are kept at home near icons throughout the year. Many families bring the previous year’s palms back to church to be burned.
Regional Customs
Customs vary by country, and some palm substitutes are common in colder climates:
- Russia and Ukraine: Worshippers carry pussy willow branches because palms are not native.
- Greece and Cyprus: Palm and olive branches are woven into small crosses.
- Ethiopia: Congregations carry palm branches and olive branches.
Also see: Orthodox Holy Week 2027 Calendar: Dates, Services & Fasting Rules
How Many People Observe Orthodox Palm Sunday?
According to Pew Research Center, about 260 million Orthodox Christians live worldwide. That is about 12% of all Christians.
Pew also found that 77% of Orthodox Christians live in Europe. Russia has the largest population at about 101 million, followed by Ethiopia with 36 million.
Orthodoxy is the third-largest branch of Christianity after Catholicism and Protestantism. Note that Pew’s figures come from its 2017 study and are the most widely cited estimates.
Which Churches Observe the April 25 Date?
Most Eastern Orthodox churches follow the Julian-based date for Pascha. These include:
- Russian Orthodox Church
- Serbian Orthodox Church
- Georgian Orthodox Church
- Ukrainian Orthodox churches (some parishes may use the Revised Julian calendar for fixed feasts, but still use the Julian method for Pascha)
- Coptic Orthodox Church, which also observes Palm Sunday on April 25, 2027
Some Orthodox churches, such as the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, follow the same Pascha date. If you are unsure, confirm with your local parish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the date of Orthodox Palm Sunday in 2027?
April 25, 2027.
What is the Orthodox name for Palm Sunday?
The Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem.
Do Orthodox Christians use palms on Palm Sunday?
Yes, though regions use palms, olive branches, or pussy willows depending on availability.
Related: Palm Sunday 2027 Date & Meaning