Question

In which way are Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy different?

Answer 1

The differences are both of ecclesiastic and theological order; one of them is the notion of papal authority.

Indeed, while the Catholic Church considers the Pope to be the highest, single religious authority over Christendom the Easter Orthodox Churches only consider the pope to be “the first among equals, just the first bishop in a group of equally powerful bishop and fir them the position is more honorary than authoritative. The Eastern Orthodox Church allows married men to become priests but do not allow single men who became priests before being ordained to marry. Catholic priests are banned from ever marrying, before or after their ordination.

With regards to theological differences, the main one is the notion of the exact nature of the Holy Spirit, whether it comes from God and the Son (Jesus) according to Catholics or whether it only comes from Jesus according to Eastern Orthodox.

Answer 2

The differences between Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy.

Roman Catholicism:

The Pope is infallible when, through the Holy Spirit, he defines a doctrine on faith and morals that is to be held by the whole church.

The pope has authority over all other bishops.

Priests may not marry.

Divorce is not permitted.

Eastern Orthodoxy:

Papal infallibility is rejected. The Holy Spirit guides the Church in all truth through ecumenical councils whose Orthodoxy must be accepted by the people as Truth.

The patriarch and other bishops head the Church as a group.

Priests may be married.

Divorce is allowed under certain conditions.