Rachel Evans
The Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church have had a complex relationship since the East-West Schism of 1054, which formally ruptured their communion and created two distinct churches. While the Catholic Church has an intercommunion policy with Eastern Orthodox churches, allowing Catholics to receive communion in Orthodox churches, the Orthodox Church does not permit its members to receive Holy Communion in non-Orthodox communities, including Catholic churches. However, there are exceptions, and some Orthodox individuals may take communion in Catholic churches in cases of necessity, and vice versa. The two churches have made efforts towards reconciliation and improving relations, but full communion between them has not yet been restored.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Communion between Orthodox Christians and Roman Catholics | Not in communion since the East-West Schism of 1054 |
| Orthodox Christians receiving Communion in Roman Catholic churches | Not permitted by Orthodox Christianity |
| Roman Catholic discipline on receiving Communion in Orthodox churches | Permitted in cases of "necessity" |
| Roman Catholic view on Orthodox Christians receiving Communion in their churches | Permitted |
| Orthodox Christians taking Communion in Roman Catholic churches in the Middle East | Occurs but goes against church teachings |
| Orthodox Christians taking Communion in Roman Catholic churches in Lebanon | Occurs |
| Orthodox Christians taking Communion in Roman Catholic churches in the U.S. | Not permitted until entering the Church |
| Sign of the cross | Made with five fingers together by Roman Catholics and with three fingers together by Orthodox Christians |
| Fasting practices | More common among Orthodox Christians than Roman Catholics |
| Communion for children | Allowed by Orthodox Christians but not by Roman Catholics until 1st or 2nd grade |
| Eastern Catholic Churches | Emerged from a movement seeking communion with the Pope while retaining traditional practices |
| Support for unity between Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches | 35% of Orthodox practitioners and 38% of Catholics polled in 2017 |
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What You'll Learn
- The Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church broke communion in 1054
- Orthodox Christians are not permitted to commune outside of Orthodox churches
- Catholics are permitted to take communion at Orthodox churches in cases of necessity
- The Catholic Church has an intercommunion policy with Eastern Orthodox churches
- The Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church are working towards restoring unity
The Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church broke communion in 1054
The Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church broke communion in 1054, an event known as the East-West Schism or the Great Schism. This event was the culmination of a series of ecclesiastical differences and theological disputes between the Greek East and the Latin West.
One of the main disputes was over the procession of the Holy Spirit (Filioque), with the Eastern Church rejecting the Western Church's doctrine of the double procession of the Holy Spirit from the Father and the Son. Another point of contention was the use of leavened or unleavened bread in the Eucharist, with the Eastern Church using leavened bread and the Western Church using unleavened bread. The Eastern Church also practised iconoclasm, or the veneration of icons, which was opposed by the Western Church.
In addition to theological differences, there were also political disputes between the two churches. The coronation of Charlemagne as Emperor of the Romans in 800 by the Pope was seen as a challenge to the authority of the Byzantine Emperor in Constantinople. The Pope's claim to universal jurisdiction further exacerbated tensions, as did the question of the place of the See of Constantinople in relation to the pentarchy.
The first step towards the formal schism occurred in 1053 when Patriarch Michael I Cerularius of Constantinople ordered the closure of all Latin churches in the city. In 1054, the papal legate, Cardinal Humbert, was sent by Pope Leo IX to Constantinople. During this visit, tempers flared, and Cardinal Humbert and Patriarch Michael excommunicated each other, formally rupturing relations between the two churches.
While the East-West Schism is often dated to 1054, some scholars propose different dates such as 1009, 1204, or 1277. The events of 1054 certainly impaired relations between the Eastern and Western churches, but it is important to note that not all Eastern churches immediately severed ties with Rome. In the centuries that followed, there were occasional instances of sharing in each other's sacraments, and efforts towards reconciliation have been made by both sides. However, as of today, there is still no full communion between the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, and Orthodox Christians are generally not permitted to take communion in Catholic churches and vice versa.
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Orthodox Christians are not permitted to commune outside of Orthodox churches
The Orthodox Church believes that God, in His Essence, is unknowable and dwells in "divine darkness". They argue that no one will ever fully understand the mysteries of God, the Incarnation, or the Eucharist through reason. Therefore, they do not believe in withholding the Eucharist from children or those with developmental challenges. In contrast, the Catholic Church withholds communion from children until they are older, usually in the first or second grade.
Despite these differences, there is no major doctrinal problem between the two churches. The Code of Canon Law in Roman Catholic discipline does not object to the reception of Communion by members of the Orthodox Church. However, the Orthodox Church urges its members to respect the discipline of their own church and not receive communion in Catholic churches.
While there may be individual Orthodox clergy who would give communion to Catholics, there is no Orthodox church that permits Catholics to receive Holy Communion at their liturgies. This is because the Orthodox have a genuine priesthood and, therefore, a genuine Eucharist. The Orthodox are known for their reverence for the reception of the Blessed Sacrament, and they follow the ancient discipline of fasting and confession of sin before receiving communion. Married Orthodox priests and laity who follow the canons of their church even abstain from marital relations before communing.
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Catholics are permitted to take communion at Orthodox churches in cases of necessity
There is a difference between the official position of the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church on whether Catholics are permitted to take communion at Orthodox churches in cases of necessity.
According to the Catholic Church, Catholics are permitted to receive communion in Orthodox churches in cases of "necessity". The Code of Canon Law of the Latin Church (canon 844 §2) states that:
> "Whenever necessity requires it or true spiritual advantage suggests it, and provided that danger of error or of indifferentism is avoided, the Christian faithful [...] are permitted to receive the sacraments of penance, Eucharist, and anointing of the sick from non-Catholic ministers in whose Churches these sacraments are valid."
The Catholic Church considers Orthodox churches to be valid, and therefore Catholics are permitted to receive communion in Orthodox churches if a Catholic service is unavailable. However, there is no authoritative definition of "necessity", leaving some ambiguity in the rule.
In contrast, the official position of the Orthodox Church is that non-Orthodox Christians may not receive communion at an Orthodox church. This is because, in Orthodox theology, communion is equivalent to membership in a church. Giving communion to Catholics would imply that Catholics are members of the Orthodox Church, which is not theologically accurate.
Despite the official position, there are reports of Orthodox churches, particularly in the Middle East, that practice inter-communion with Catholics. This may be due to the challenging situation for Christians in the region, with some sources stating that the rest of the Orthodox Church does not intervene to stop this practice to avoid making life harder for Christians in the Middle East.
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The Catholic Church has an intercommunion policy with Eastern Orthodox churches
The Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church have had a historically tumultuous relationship, with a formal schism between the two churches occurring in the 11th century. This divide, known as the Great Schism, ruptured relations and caused a mutual excommunication, leading to a split between the two churches.
Over time, there have been efforts to heal this divide and restore communion between the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. The Second Vatican Council, held between 1962 and 1965, was a significant step towards improving relations. During this council, both Pope Paul VI and Orthodox Patriarch Athenagoras mutually lifted their respective excommunications, symbolically indicating a desire to eventually restore full communion.
Since the 1980s, the Catholic Church has had an intercommunion policy with Eastern Orthodox churches and other Eastern apostolic Christian churches. This policy allows individuals from these churches to receive communion in Catholic churches in cases of "necessity". However, it is important to note that this policy is not universally accepted or practiced by all Eastern Orthodox churches.
While the Catholic Church permits communion for Eastern Orthodox Christians in their churches, the Eastern Orthodox Church generally does not permit its members to receive communion in non-Orthodox communities, including Catholic churches. This stance stems from the belief that non-Orthodox individuals have chosen not to embrace all that Orthodox Christianity espouses, making it impossible for an Orthodox priest to offer them communion.
Despite these differences, there is ongoing ecumenical dialogue and a desire for unity among many members of both churches.
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The Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church are working towards restoring unity
The Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church have been working towards restoring unity and improving their relationship since the East-West Schism of 1054. This split caused great anguish and was immensely lamented on both sides, as it went against the words of Jesus Christ: "that they may all be one" (John 17:21).
Over the last century, relations between the two churches have warmed, and they have embraced a dialogue of charity. The Second Vatican Council, held between 1962 and 1965, was a significant turning point, as it marked a new era in the Catholic Church's pastoral approach and its relationship with the Orthodox Church. During this council, Pope Paul VI and Orthodox Patriarch Athenagoras mutually lifted their respective excommunications in the Catholic-Orthodox Joint Declaration of 1965, symbolising their intention to restore full communion. Seventeen Orthodox Churches participated in the council, specifically discussing ecumenism between the two churches and the unity of all Christians.
The creation of Eastern Catholic Churches, which emerged from a movement seeking full communion with the Pope while retaining traditional practices, is another step towards reconciliation. These churches are viewed by some as a bridge between the two communities, fostering reunification. However, this approach has been criticised by some Orthodox members, who believe it is inadequate for healing the divide.
Despite these ecumenical efforts, challenges remain. Tensions between the Russian Orthodox Church and Greek Orthodox Church in 2018 led to the establishment of an independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Additionally, there are differing views on the acceptance of hospitality during communion. While the Catholic Church allows Orthodox Christians to receive communion in Catholic churches in cases of "necessity," the Orthodox Church does not permit its members to receive Holy Communion in non-Orthodox communities, including Catholic churches. This discrepancy highlights the ongoing complexities in restoring unity between the two churches.
Nevertheless, there is a desire for unity among practitioners of both faiths. Polling data from 2017 shows that 35% of Orthodox practitioners and 38% of Catholics polled support communion with the other denomination.
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Frequently asked questions
The Catholic Church has allowed its members to take communion at Orthodox churches in cases of "necessity" since the 1980s. However, the Orthodox Church does not permit its members to receive Holy Communion in non-Orthodox communities. There is no Orthodox church that permits Catholics to receive Holy Communion at their liturgies.
The Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church mutually excommunicated each other in 1054, causing the East-West Schism. This formal schism created two distinct churches. The Second Vatican Council between 1962 and 1965 was a turning point in the relationship between the two churches, with Pope Paul VI and Orthodox Patriarch Athenagoras mutually lifting their respective excommunications.
The two churches have been working towards restoring Christian unity through ecumenical efforts. In 2018, tensions between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Greek Orthodox Church complicated these efforts, resulting in the establishment of an independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine. A 2017 Pew Research poll showed that 35% of Orthodox practitioners support communion with the Catholic Church, with support ranging from 17% among Russian Orthodox to 62% among Romanian Orthodox.
