When is Ascension?
Ascension, on the 40th day after Easter (a Thursday), celebrates the risen Jesus Christ being taken up into heaven before his disciples' eyes. Its date changes each year with Easter.
Ascension — Catholic · Protestant (Western): the next date is May 6, 2027.
Ascension — Greek Orthodox: the next date is June 10, 2027.
Ascension — Armenian Apostolic: the next date is May 6, 2027.
Ascension — Syriac Orthodox: the next date is June 10, 2027.
Ascension is celebrated 40 days after Easter and therefore follows the tradition's own Easter date.
Dates year by year — Western tradition
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | — Thursday |
| 2027 | — Thursday |
| 2028 | — Thursday |
| 2029 | — Thursday |
Catholic · Protestant (Western)
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | |
| 2027 | |
| 2028 |
Greek Orthodox
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | |
| 2027 | |
| 2028 |
Armenian Apostolic
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | |
| 2027 | |
| 2028 |
Syriac Orthodox
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | |
| 2027 | |
| 2028 |
Meaning and history
The feast of the Ascension marks the 40th day after the resurrection and therefore always falls on a Thursday. According to the opening of the book of Acts, Jesus appeared to his disciples over forty days after his resurrection, speaking about the kingdom of God; then, near the Mount of Olives, he was lifted up before their eyes and a cloud hid him from sight. Luke's Gospel closes the same account with the disciples returning to Jerusalem with great joy. In Christian belief the ascension is read as the natural continuation of the resurrection: Jesus' visible ministry on earth is complete and he is exalted at the right hand of the Father; the New Testament letters connect this exaltation with Christ's role as king and high priest interceding for the church. In the same narrative Jesus tells his disciples to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the promised Holy Spirit — a waiting answered ten days later at Pentecost. Ascension is thus the link joining Easter to Pentecost. A public holiday in some countries, the day is kept with special services in many church traditions; some communities unable to gather on Thursday move the celebration to the following Sunday.