Michael Brooks
The Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church have been divided since the East-West Schism of 1054, resulting from historical, linguistic, and theological differences. The two denominations share many similarities, but several key differences set them apart. These differences include the Eastern Orthodox Church's rejection of the Pope's authority, the concept of Purgatory, and the addition of the Filioque clause to the Latin Nicene Creed. The Eastern Orthodox Church also holds that the epiclesis, rather than the words of institution, transforms the Eucharist into the Body and Blood of Christ. Furthermore, the Eastern Orthodox Church views doctrine as eternal and unchanging, whereas the Catholic Church believes that doctrine can develop over time. While the two churches have made attempts at reunification, their distinct beliefs and practices continue to divide them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Central authority | Catholicism vests centralized authority in the Pope, while Orthodoxy rejects papal supremacy in favor of decisions made by synods and councils. |
| Liturgy | Catholicism has been criticized for being less nimble in its hymnody, translations of the Bible into English, and English liturgy. |
| Global presence | Catholicism has a larger global presence and appears more universal. |
| Openness | Catholic parishes are more open to newcomers than Orthodox congregations. |
| Original sin | Catholicism emphasizes the concept of original sin, while Orthodoxy has been accused of having a deficient understanding of the sinfulness of man. |
| Substitutionary blood atonement | Catholicism emphasizes substitutionary blood atonement, while Orthodoxy does not share this interpretation. |
| Immaculate Conception | Catholicism teaches the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, while Orthodoxy rejects this concept. |
| Co-redemption | Catholicism tolerates the teaching that the Virgin Mary is a co-redemptrix, while Orthodoxy does not. |
| Sola scriptura | Catholicism denies sola scriptura, teaching that the Church is the author of Scripture, while Orthodoxy embraces it. |
| Papal infallibility | Catholicism teaches the infallibility of the Pope, while Orthodoxy rejects this doctrine. |
| Dogma and Christology | Catholicism is more focused on dogma and Christology, while Orthodoxy is less concerned with these aspects. |
| Path to God | Catholicism is a redemptive religion focused on the crucifixion and original sin, while Orthodoxy is a path of self-improvement to move closer to God. |
| Forgiveness and punishment | Catholicism embraces both forgiveness and punishment, while Orthodoxy emphasizes either forgiveness or punishment, with a lack of distinction between heaven, hell, and purgatory. |
| Clergy | Catholicism requires celibacy for all priests, while Orthodoxy allows married men to become priests but requires bishops to be celibate. |
| Ethnic diversity | Catholicism embraces a wider range of ethnicities, while Orthodoxy is typically associated with specific ethnicities such as Russian and Greek. |
| Size | Catholicism constitutes a little over half of all Christians, while Orthodoxy accounts for a little under a quarter. |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding the differences between Orthodox and Catholic beliefs
There are several differences between Orthodox and Catholic beliefs and practices, with some being more noticeable than others. Both the Orthodox and Catholic Churches uphold rigorous moral and spiritual standards for clergy. However, the Orthodox Church allows married men to become priests, while bishops are required to be celibate. In contrast, the Catholic Church requires celibacy for all priests in the Latin rite.
The Orthodox Church is often associated with specific ethnicities, such as Russians and Greeks, while the Catholic Church embraces a wider range of ethnicities. Catholicism is a redemptive religion that focuses on original sin and how Jesus's crucifixion saves us from it. On the other hand, Orthodoxy is more about emulating Jesus's life and drawing closer to God through self-improvement. The Orthodox Church also tends to have a more mystical view of salvation and incarnation.
The Orthodox Church does not accept the concept of papal infallibility and instead favours a more democratic approach to decision-making, with power vested in synods and councils. This aligns with the collaborative approach to church leadership evident in early Christianity. In contrast, the Catholic Church has a centralized authority in the Pope.
The Catholic Church has a larger global presence and appears more universal. Catholic parishes are often described as more welcoming to newcomers than Orthodox congregations. The Orthodox Church has been criticized for appearing closed off and exclusive.
The Orthodox Church is also known for its efforts to maintain the liturgical and doctrinal purity of early Christianity, while some believe that the Catholic Church has introduced changes that deviate from these early teachings.
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The history of the Great Schism
The Great Schism, also known as the East-West Schism, was a pivotal moment in the history of Christianity, marking the division between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, the two largest Christian churches today. This schism, which officially occurred in 1054 AD, was the culmination of centuries of theological, political, and cultural differences between the Christian communities of the Western (Latin) and Eastern (Greek) parts of the Roman Empire.
The roots of the Schism can be traced back to the second century, with early signs of friction between Catholic West and Orthodox East. For instance, in the second century, Pope St. Victor I threatened to excommunicate the churches of Asia Minor over a dispute regarding the proper date of Easter. Over time, several ecclesiastical differences and theological disputes emerged between the Greek East and Latin West, including the procession of the Holy Spirit (Filioque), the use of leavened or unleavened bread in the Eucharist, iconoclasm, the coronation of Charlemagne as Emperor of the Romans, the Pope's claim to universal jurisdiction, and the place of the See of Constantinople in relation to the pentarchy.
The first action that led to a formal schism occurred in 1053 when Patriarch Michael I Cerularius of Constantinople ordered the closure of all Latin churches in Constantinople. In 1054, Pope Leo IX sent an emissary, Cardinal Humbert, from Rome to Constantinople. The visit was intended as a conciliatory mission, but it backfired. Cardinal Humbert excommunicated Patriarch Cerularius, who, in turn, excommunicated the cardinal and the Bishop of Rome, formally severing communion between the Eastern and Western churches. This event became known as the Great Schism of 1054, reflecting the longstanding tensions between the eastern and western Roman empires.
The impact of the Great Schism was significant, shaping the doctrinal development, papal authority, and missionary activities of the Catholic Church. It led to the development of distinct theological and doctrinal positions, with the Catholic Church emphasizing the Pope's role as the supreme spiritual leader of the Western Church and further defining the doctrine of papal infallibility. The Eastern Orthodox Church, on the other hand, maintained its original position of collegiality among the bishops, resulting in a confederacy-like structure. The schism also fueled conflicts between Eastern and Western Christians, most notably during the Fourth Crusade, when Western crusaders brutally sacked Constantinople and desecrated many Orthodox churches.
While the rift between the Eastern and Western churches has never been fully healed, relations have improved over time. In the 20th century, steps were taken to nullify the excommunications, and in 1979, the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church was established to foster ecumenism. Efforts towards reconciliation have continued into the 21st century, with visits and joint celebrations between the heads of the two churches.
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The role of the Pope in Catholicism
The Pope, as the Bishop of Rome, is the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church, which is the largest Christian denomination in the world. The Pope is considered the successor to Saint Peter, one of Jesus Christ's apostles, who is regarded as the first Bishop of Rome. This lineage grants the Pope primacy over the global Catholic community, symbolizing unity and apostolic continuity. The Pope is elected by the College of Cardinals and takes on a role that is deeply spiritual and highly visible, embodying the guiding authority of the Church's doctrines and moral teachings.
The Pope's role has evolved in modern times, becoming more central to Catholic life. This shift can be attributed to the charisma of popes like John XXIII, their use of mass media, and their involvement in global events and
As the Supreme Pastor, the Pope guides over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide through teachings, liturgical practices, and moral directives. He interprets and upholds Church doctrine, addresses contemporary issues from a Catholic perspective, and promotes unity and charity within the Church and broader society. The Pope appoints cardinals and bishops, ensuring the Church's leadership remains aligned with its spiritual mission. Through encyclicals, apostolic letters, and homilies, he communicates his vision and guidance on various global concerns, such as social justice, economic disparity, and environmental stewardship.
The Pope's role also extends beyond the religious sphere, as he resides in Vatican City, an independent city-state within Rome, and serves as its head of state. This unique position gives him cultural and geopolitical influence, allowing him to engage in global diplomatic endeavours, foster peace across religions and nations, and spread core Christian values.
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The Orthodox view of salvation
In Orthodox theology, salvation is closely tied to the concept of Christ's death and resurrection. By voluntarily dying on the cross, Christ defeated death and the powers of corruption, making salvation possible through his grace. This grace is a free gift, resulting from God's mercy, and it is received through faith and the sacraments of the Church. The Orthodox Church emphasizes the importance of "synergy" or "cooperation" with God in the process of salvation, acknowledging that it is a lifelong journey of spiritual struggle and transformation.
The Orthodox understanding of salvation differs from other Christian traditions in several ways. Unlike Protestants, they do not believe in the idea of Jesus being punished for humanity's sins. Instead, they see death as a consequence of the Fall, allowing humans a chance for repentance and a closer bond with God. Additionally, the Orthodox view of original sin differs from the Roman Catholic doctrine, as they do not believe in the innate guilt of mankind for Adam's sin. While the concept of "theosis" or "deification" is central to Orthodox salvation, it is important to note that it does not imply becoming God in His nature but rather attaining perfect union with Him.
The Orthodox path to salvation involves a variety of practices, including heartfelt prayer, repentance, Holy Confession, and Holy Communion. These provide opportunities for spiritual renewal and bring the believer closer to God. While good works are important, they are seen as a result of salvation rather than a means to achieve it. The ultimate goal of the Orthodox Christian is to live a new life in Christ, one that is exalted and unique, reflecting the transformative power of salvation.
In summary, the Orthodox view of salvation is a lifelong process of becoming more like God, achieved through faith, grace, and the sacraments. It is a journey of spiritual transformation, where the believer strives to conform to God's nature of love and overcome the powers of sin and death. Salvation, in the Orthodox tradition, is a gift freely given by God, and it is up to the individual to accept and embark on this journey towards eternal communion with the Divine.
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The Catholic view of original sin
Catholicism is a redemptive religion that focuses on the crucifixion, original sin, and how Jesus's death on the cross saves humanity. The Catholic Church teaches that every human being born on Earth is made in the image of God. Within each person, there is a "powerful surge toward the good because we are made in the image of God, and the darker impulses toward evil because of the effects of Original Sin". The Catholic Church explicitly denies that guilt is inherited from anyone, instead teaching that humanity inherits its own fallen nature. This view, that human beings do not bear guilt for the sin of Adam, is also held in Eastern Orthodoxy.
The Catholic Church teaches that original sin is a consequence of Adam's sin for all of humanity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church declares that "Baptism, by imparting the life of Christ's grace, erases original sin and turns a man back towards God, but the consequences for nature, weakened and inclined to evil, persist in man and summon him to spiritual battle". The Council of Trent states that "whereas all men had lost their innocence in the prevarication of Adam [...] although free will, attenuated as it was in its powers, and bent down, was by no means extinguished in them". The Council of Trent defined original sin as "the death of the soul".
Original sin is a topic that divides Christians. Those who believe in it profess that it is essential to Jesus’ saving mission. It is the reason why Christians need to be “born again” to “see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Those who reject the idea of original sin might say it is not fair for God to punish people for something they didn't do.
The Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Rite Eastern Catholic Churches' version of original sin is the view that sin originates with the Devil, "for the devil sins from the beginning (1 John iii. 8)". The Eastern Church never subscribed to Augustine of Hippo's ideas of original sin and hereditary guilt. The church does not interpret "original sin" as having anything to do with transmitted guilt but with transmitted mortality. Because Adam sinned, all humanity shares not in his guilt but in the same punishment.
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Frequently asked questions
The main difference is that the Catholic Church believes that the Holy Spirit allows the Church to grow in its understanding and expression of doctrine, whereas the Orthodox Church believes that the meaning and substance of doctrine are eternal and unchanging.
The Catholic Church and its followers believe in the Immaculate Conception, i.e., that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without original sin and remained sinless throughout her life. The Orthodox Church rejects this dogma and asserts that only Christ was born without sin. Catholics also believe in Purgatory, while the Orthodox do not.
Yes, there are some differences in practices. For example, the Orthodox Church uses unleavened bread for the Eucharist, while the Catholic Church uses leavened bread. The Orthodox also do Confession standing up.
Yes, the East-West Schism that divided the church was caused by historical and linguistic differences. The Eastern Church used Greek as its medium of communication, while the Western Church used Latin.
Yes, the Orthodox Church is highly liturgical and its churches are loaded with images referred to as 'icons'. These icons are pictures to remind the faithful of Jesus and the apostles.
