Question

How did the Eastern Orthodox Church differ from the Roman Catholic Church??

Answer 1

The Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches split during the Great Schism of 1054, differing in language, the role of the Pope, celibacy of clergy, and organizational structures. The Eastern Church used Greek and had a decentralized leadership, while the Western Church used Latin and was centralized under the Pope's authority. Despite these differences, both share a common heritage.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church diverged in several key areas, leading to the Great Schism of 1054. Initiating a lasting divide, the Schism was fueled by both theological and political factors. One of the primary differences was the language used in church services—the Western Church used Latin, while the Eastern Church adopted Greek. The organizational structure also varied significantly. In the West, the Pope was seen as the supreme authority over the Church, while in the East, multiple patriarchs, including the Patriarch of Constantinople, held significant sway, each seen as equal in authority to the Pope. Furthermore, Eastern clergy were permitted to marry, whereas Western clergy were required to remain celibate.

The separation became clearer over time, especially due to linguistic and cultural disparities. While the Western Church emphasized the Pope's authority in all church matters, the Eastern Church held a more decentralized view on ecclesiastical leadership. The Protestant Reformation further pronounced these divides, leading to additional branches of Western Christianity, with Protestant denominations emerging as a critique to Catholic doctrines and practices.

Shared Heritage and Divergent Paths

Despite the differences, the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches share much of their early history and theological foundations. The Byzantine Empire's lasting influence and the Cyrillic alphabet adopted by many Eastern European nations showcase the reach and heritage of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Today, both branches of Christianity—Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism—exist as major religious institutions, each with its unique traditions, practices, and cultural significance.

Answer 2

1. The Roman Catholic liturgy was traditionally in Latin. The Orthodox Churches use other languages, including Greek, Russian and Syriac.

2. The Orthodox Churches allow married priests. The Roman Catholic Church (with very rare exceptions) does not.

3. The Orthodox and Catholic Churches use different ways to calculate the date of Easter, so that in most years they end up celebrating the feast on different days.

4. The Catholic Church recognises the Pope as having supreme spritual authority on earth. The Orthodox churches dispute this.

5. The Catholic Church recognises a number ecumenical councils which the Orthodox Churches do not (eg Trent, Vatican I, Vatican II).

6. The Catholic Church accepts the 'filioque' clause (Google it) in the Nicene Creed. The Orthodox churches consider it to be an unjustified addition.