Ethan Walker
The Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church have been officially divided since the East-West Schism of 1054. This schism was caused by historical and linguistic differences, leading to theological disagreements between the Western and Eastern churches. The Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church differ in their beliefs about the Pope, the nature of sin and purgatory, the role of Mary, and the meaning of the Holy Spirit, among other theological and liturgical differences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of Schism | Historical, linguistic, and theological differences |
| Date of Schism | 1054 |
| Theological Differences | Papal primacy, Filioque clause, neo-Palamism, essence-energy distinction |
| Language | Eastern Church: Greek, Western Church: Latin |
| Eucharist | Orthodox: Emphasize epiclesis, use leavened bread, receive bread and wine; Catholics: Emphasize words of institution, use unleavened bread, receive only bread |
| Worship | Orthodox: No instruments, prayer rope, icons; Catholics: Rosary |
| Clergy | Orthodox: Priests can marry before ordination, have beards, practice monasticism and asceticism, fast for longer; Catholics: Priests cannot marry, usually clean-shaven |
| Spirituality | Orthodox: Emphasize incarnation, resurrection, transfiguration, monastic prayer practice; Catholics: Emphasize crucifixion, Jesus' death for sins |
| Doctrine | Orthodox: No new dogmas, dogma does not claim to expound the whole truth; Catholics: Doctrine can develop over time, codify speculation into doctrine |
| Sin | Orthodox: Sickness of the soul, church as hospital; Catholics: Inherited guilt of original sin |
| Immaculate Conception | Orthodox: Believe Mary had ancestral sin; Catholics: Believe Mary was born sinless |
| Grace of God | Orthodox: Uncreated energia(energies); Catholics: Created grace |
| Purgatory | Orthodox: No, believe in intermediate phase; Catholics: Yes |
| Salvation | Orthodox: Emphasize tradition; Catholics: Emphasize Jesus' role in salvation |
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The Great Schism of 1054
The East-West Schism, also known as the Great Schism, marked the break of communion between the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. The schism was the culmination of a series of ecclesiastical differences and theological disputes between the Greek East and the Latin West. While the schism is conventionally dated to 1054, it is important to recognise that the separation was a gradual process, punctuated by temporary reconciliations and preceded by centuries of growing divergence.
In the years leading up to 1054, several factors contributed to the increasing divide between the Eastern and Western churches. One significant issue was the procession of the Holy Spirit (Filioque), which refers to the addition of "and the Son" (Latin: Filioque) to the Nicene Creed by the Roman churches without consulting the East. This alteration was absent from the original Greek version and became a point of contention. The use of leavened or unleavened bread in the Eucharist also caused disagreement, with the Eastern churches favouring leavened bread while the Roman church had adopted the use of unleavened bread.
Another crucial factor was the question of papal primacy or supremacy. The Western Church recognised the Pope, the Bishop of Rome, as the head of the Church, possessing universal jurisdiction over other bishops and all Christians. In contrast, the Eastern Orthodox Church rejected the idea of a "super-bishop", considering all bishops to be equal. The coronation of Charlemagne as emperor of the Romans in 800 and the pope's claim to universal jurisdiction further exacerbated tensions.
The events of 1054 are often regarded as a pivotal moment in the schism. In that year, Patriarch Michael I Cerularius of Constantinople ordered the closure of all Latin churches in the city. In response, Cardinal Humbert of Silva Candida, the leader of the papal legate sent by Pope Leo IX, travelled to Constantinople and placed a parchment on the altar of the Cathedral of Hagia Sophia, excommunicating Cerularius. Cerularius retaliated by excommunicating Humbert and the other legates. While the validity of these excommunications has been questioned, they represented a significant escalation of the dispute.
In the centuries that followed, attempts at reconciliation were made, but events such as the Crusades and the Massacre of the Latins in 1182 further deepened the divide. The capture and pillaging of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade in 1204 and the emergence of competing Greek and Latin hierarchies in the Crusader states made the schism increasingly apparent. Despite the nullification of the anathemas of 1054 in 1965 by Pope Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I, the separation between the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches has persisted.
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Papal supremacy
The Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church have been officially divided since the East-West Schism of 1054. One of the primary causes of this schism was the doctrine of Papal supremacy.
In contrast, the Eastern Orthodox Church does not recognise Papal supremacy. For the Orthodox, all bishops are equal, and there is no "super-bishop". While the Orthodox acknowledge the primacy of the Bishop of Rome, they dispute how this primacy should be exercised and its scriptural and theological foundations. They argue that the Catholic arguments in support of Papal supremacy rely on misinterpretations or misrepresentations of the Fathers' true intent.
The dispute over Papal supremacy remains a significant obstacle to the reunification of the Eastern Orthodox and Western churches.
Other Differences
In addition to the disagreement over Papal supremacy, there are several other differences between the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. These include:
- The Catholic Church's use of pagan (Neoplatonist and Aristotelian) metaphysical philosophy to validate theological dogmas, while the Eastern Orthodox Church emphasises the mystical, actual experience of God.
- The Catholic Church's belief in Purgatory, while the Orthodox believe in an intermediate phase between death and the afterlife without fires.
- Views on sin: Catholics believe in original sin, while the Orthodox believe in ancestral sin, seeing sin as a sickness of the soul.
- The Catholic Church's belief in the Immaculate Conception of Mary, while the Orthodox believe Mary had ancestral sin.
- The nature of grace: Catholics believe in created grace, while the Orthodox believe in the uncreated energies of God.
- Emphasis on Christ's work: Catholics emphasise the crucifixion and Jesus dying for our sins, while the Orthodox emphasise the incarnation, resurrection, and transfiguration.
- Worship practices: Orthodox priests can be married before ordination, use leavened bread in the Eucharist, and receive both bread and wine, while Catholics receive only bread.
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Purgatory
The Catholic Church does not teach that Purgatory is a physical place with literal fire, but rather a condition of preparatory cleansing for Heaven. This clarification by Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI has made the Catholic concept of Purgatory less objectionable to the Orthodox perspective.
The Orthodox view of Purgatory is more complex. Some Orthodox Christians reject the idea of Purgatory due to the doctrine of indulgences and the concept of literal purgatorial fire. They believe in an intermediate phase between death and the afterlife, but do not see it as a place with fires. Instead, they view sin as a sickness of the soul, and the church as a hospital.
However, other Orthodox scholars affirm the Catholic view of Purgatory, acknowledging the need for a purgation of the souls destined for Heaven. They believe that those in Hell who are not completely devoid of faith in Christ can, through prayers and good deeds, be moved to paradise before the Last Judgment.
Additionally, according to St. Mark of Ephesus, the faithful who die with minor sins unconfessed are not abandoned by God but are saved through a final cleansing. This idea of post-mortem purification is an ancient ecumenical tradition, interpreted differently by various Christian groups throughout history.
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Sin and salvation
The Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church have been officially divided since the East-West Schism of 1054. While both churches share many similarities, there are also significant differences, particularly regarding sin and salvation.
The Catholic Church teaches that salvation involves the forgiveness of sin, the regeneration of the sinner, and the sanctification of the believer. This salvation is achieved through God's grace, which is imparted through seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation, the Eucharist, penance, anointing of the sick, ordination, and marriage. Catholics believe that salvation begins with infant baptism and continues through life by cooperating with grace through faith, good works, and receiving the sacraments. Catholics also believe in purgatory, a place where, after death, one is purged of unabsolved venial sins and the residue of absolved sins before entering heaven.
The Eastern Orthodox Church, on the other hand, believes that salvation is a deeply transformative process called "deification," in which a person becomes more godlike through grace. This process involves conforming one's will and actions with God, with the ultimate goal of achieving theosis or union with God. While works are necessary for salvation, they are not seen as earning salvation but as a participation in God's nature. Orthodox Christians believe that water baptism is a precondition for salvation, and that repentance, Holy Confession, and Holy Communion, along with works of mercy, prayer, and faith, renew salvation throughout one's life.
Both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches reject the Protestant doctrine of salvation through faith alone, emphasizing the importance of works in addition to faith. However, they differ in their understanding of merit. Catholics view salvation as earning necessary merits, while the Orthodox do not have a system of merits, believing that salvation is a participation in the Godhead.
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The Eucharist
Another difference lies in the type of bread used. The Catholic Church uses unleavened bread, while the Orthodox Church uses leavened bread. This difference is not just a matter of liturgical preference, but also carries theological implications. The use of leavened bread in the Orthodox Church symbolizes the unity of the faithful with Christ, as leaven is seen as a symbol of unity.
The manner of receiving the Eucharist also varies between the two churches. In the Catholic Church, the faithful typically receive only the consecrated bread, while in the Orthodox Church, they receive both the bread and wine. This practice is known as Communion under Both Kinds and is based on the belief that Christ instituted the Eucharist as a meal to be shared with his disciples.
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Frequently asked questions
The Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church have been divided since the East-West Schism of 1054. The split was caused by historical and linguistic differences, and the resulting theological differences between the Western and Eastern churches.
The main theological differences are the questions of papal primacy and the filioque clause. The Eastern Orthodox Church does not accept the authority of the Pope, while Catholics do. The filioque clause, which refers to the Latin term 'Filioque' meaning 'and [from] the Son', was added to the Nicene Creed by the Catholic Church and is not accepted by the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Yes, there are several other differences. The Catholic Church believes in Purgatory, while the Orthodox Church does not. The Catholic Church also believes in the Immaculate Conception, the idea that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without original sin and remained sinless throughout her life. The Orthodox Church rejects this idea and believes that only Christ was born without sin.
The Roman Catholic Church believes that the understanding of doctrine can develop over time, growing from the 'seed' that existed in the early Church. In contrast, the Orthodox Church asserts that new dogmas have been introduced over the years, and that the meaning and substance of doctrine are eternal and unchanging.
