In the CIS countries, most people are familiar with Orthodoxy, but little is known about other Christian denominations and non-Christian religions. So the question is: How is the Catholic Church different from the Orthodox?”or, to put it more simply, “the difference between Catholicism and Orthodoxy” - Catholics are asked very often. Let's try to answer it.
Primarily, Catholics are also Christians. Christianity is divided into three main areas: Catholicism, Orthodoxy and Protestantism. But there is no single Protestant Church (there are several thousand Protestant denominations in the world), and the Orthodox Church includes several independent Churches.
Besides the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), there is the Georgian Orthodox Church, the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Greek Orthodox Church, the Romanian Orthodox Church, etc. The Orthodox Churches are governed by patriarchs, metropolitans and archbishops. Not all Orthodox Churches have communion with each other in prayers and sacraments (which is necessary for individual Churches to be part of the one Ecumenical Church according to the catechism of Metropolitan Philaret) and recognize each other as true churches.
Even in Russia itself there are several Orthodox Churches (the Russian Orthodox Church itself, the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, etc.). It follows from this that world Orthodoxy does not have a unified leadership. But Orthodox believe that the unity of the Orthodox Church is manifested in a single dogma and in mutual communion in the sacraments.
Catholicism is one Universal Church. All its parts in different countries of the world are in communion with each other, share a single creed and recognize the Pope as their head. In the Catholic Church there is a division into rites (communities within the Catholic Church, differing from each other in forms of liturgical worship and church discipline): Roman, Byzantine, etc. Therefore, there are Roman Catholics, Byzantine Rite Catholics, etc., but they are all members of the same Church.
Now we can talk about the differences:
1) So, the first difference between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches is in a different understanding of the unity of the Church. For the Orthodox, it is enough to share one faith and sacraments, Catholics, in addition to this, see the need for a single head of the Church - the Pope;
2) The Catholic Church differs from the Orthodox Church in its understanding of universality or catholicity. The Orthodox claim that the Universal Church is "embodied" in every local Church headed by a bishop. The Catholics add that this local Church must have communion with the local Roman Catholic Church in order to belong to the Universal Church.
3) Catholic Church in that The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son (Filioque). The Orthodox Church confesses the Holy Spirit, which proceeds only from the Father. Some Orthodox saints spoke of the procession of the Spirit from the Father through the Son, which does not contradict the Catholic dogma.
4) The Catholic Church confesses that the sacrament of marriage is for life and forbids divorce, The Orthodox Church in some cases allows divorces;
5)The Catholic Church proclaimed the dogma of purgatory. This is the state of souls after death, destined for paradise, but not yet ready for it. There is no purgatory in Orthodox teaching (although there is something similar - ordeals). But the prayers of the Orthodox for the dead suggest that there are souls in an intermediate state for whom there is still hope of going to heaven after the Last Judgment;
6) The Catholic Church accepted the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. This means that even original sin did not touch the Mother of the Savior. Orthodox glorify the holiness of the Mother of God, but believe that she was born with original sin, like all people;
7)Catholic dogma about the taking of Mary into heaven body and soul is a logical continuation of the previous dogma. The Orthodox also believe that Mary is in Heaven in body and soul, but this is not dogmatically fixed in Orthodox teaching.
8) The Catholic Church has adopted the dogma of the supremacy of the Pope over the whole Church in matters of faith and morality, discipline and government. Orthodox do not recognize the primacy of the Pope;
9) One rite predominates in the Orthodox Church. In the Catholic Church this a rite that arose in Byzantium is called Byzantine and is one of several.
In Russia, the Roman (Latin) rite of the Catholic Church is better known. Therefore, differences between the liturgical practice and ecclesiastical discipline of the Byzantine and Roman rites of the Catholic Church are often mistaken for the differences between the ROC and the Catholic Church. But if the Orthodox liturgy is very different from the Mass of the Roman rite, then it is very similar to the Catholic liturgy of the Byzantine rite. And the presence of married priests in the ROC is also not a difference, since they are also in the Byzantine rite of the Catholic Church;
10) The Catholic Church proclaimed the dogma of the infallibility of the Pope o in matters of faith and morality, when he, in agreement with all the bishops, affirms what the Catholic Church has already believed for many centuries. Orthodox believers believe that only the decisions of the Ecumenical Councils are infallible;
11) The Orthodox Church takes decisions only in the first seven Ecumenical Councils, while The Catholic Church is guided by the decisions of the 21st Ecumenical Council, the last of which was the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965).
It should be noted that the Catholic Church recognizes that Local Orthodox Churches are True Churches who preserved the apostolic succession and the true sacraments. And the Symbol of Faith among Catholics and Orthodox is one.
Despite differences, Catholics and Orthodox profess one faith and one teaching of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Once upon a time, human mistakes and prejudices separated us, but until now, faith in one God unites us.
Jesus prayed for the unity of His disciples. His disciples are all of us, both Catholics and Orthodox. Let us join His prayer: “Let them all be one, as You, Father, in Me, and I in You, so that they also be one in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me” (Jn 17:21). The unbelieving world needs our common witness for Christ.
Video lectures Doctrines of the Catholic Church
Catholicism is one of the three main Christian denominations. In total there are three confessions: Orthodoxy, Catholicism and Protestantism. The youngest of the three is Protestantism. It arose from an attempt to reform the Catholic Church by Martin Luther in the 16th century.
The division into Orthodoxy and Catholicism has a rich history. The beginning was the events that took place in 1054. It was then that the legates of the then-reigning Pope Leo IX drew up an act of excommunication against Patriarch Michael Ceroullarius of Constantinople and the entire Eastern Church. During the liturgy in the Hagia Sophia, they put him on the throne and left. Patriarch Michael responded by convening a council, at which, in turn, he excommunicated the papal ambassadors. The pope took their side, and since then the commemoration of the popes at divine services has ceased in the Orthodox Churches, and the Latins have been considered schismatics.
We have collected the main differences and similarities between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, information about the tenets of Catholicism and features of the confession. It is important to remember that all Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ, so neither Catholics nor Protestants can be considered “enemies” of the Orthodox Church. However, there are controversial issues in which each denomination is closer or further from the Truth.
Features of Catholicism
Catholicism has over a billion followers worldwide. The head of the Catholic Church is the Pope, not the Patriarch, as in Orthodoxy. The Pope is the supreme ruler of the Holy See. Previously, in the Catholic Church, all bishops were called that. Contrary to popular belief about the total infallibility of the Pope, Catholics consider only doctrinal statements and decisions of the Pope to be infallible. Pope Francis is currently the head of the Catholic Church. He was elected on March 13, 2013, and this is the first Pope in many years who. In 2016, Pope Francis met with Patriarch Kirill to discuss critical issues for Catholicism and Orthodoxy. In particular, the problem of persecution of Christians, which exists in some regions even today.
Doctrine of the Catholic Church
A number of dogmas of the Catholic Church differ from the corresponding understanding of the Gospel truth in Orthodoxy.
- Filioque is the Dogma that the Holy Spirit comes from both God the Father and God the Son.
- Celibacy is the dogma of the celibacy of the clergy.
- The Holy Tradition of Catholics includes the decisions taken after the seven Ecumenical Councils and the Papal Epistles.
- Purgatory is a dogma about an intermediate “station” between hell and heaven, where you can atone for your sins.
- The dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary and her bodily ascension.
- Communion of the laity only with the Body of Christ, the clergy with the Body and Blood.
Of course, these are not all differences from Orthodoxy, but Catholicism recognizes those dogmas that are not considered true in Orthodoxy.
Who are Catholics
The largest number of Catholics, people who practice Catholicism, live in Brazil, Mexico and the United States. Interestingly, in each country, Catholicism has its own cultural characteristics.
Differences between Catholicism and Orthodoxy
- Unlike Catholicism, Orthodoxy believes that the Holy Spirit comes only from God the Father, as stated in the Creed.
- In Orthodoxy, only monastics observe celibacy, the rest of the clergy can marry.
- The sacred tradition of the Orthodox does not include, in addition to the ancient oral tradition, the decisions of the first seven Ecumenical Councils, the decisions of subsequent church councils, papal messages.
- In Orthodoxy there is no dogma about purgatory.
- Orthodoxy does not recognize the doctrine of the "treasury of grace" - an overabundance of the good deeds of Christ, the apostles, the Virgin Mary, which allow you to "draw" salvation from this treasury. It was this doctrine that allowed for the possibility of indulgences, which at one time became a stumbling block between Catholics and future Protestants. Indulgences were one of those phenomena in Catholicism that deeply revolted Martin Luther. His plans included not the creation of a new confession, but the reformation of Catholicism.
- In Orthodoxy, the laity Communion with the Body and Blood of Christ: “Take, eat: this is my body, and drink all of you from it: this is my blood.”
On July 16, 1054, in the Cathedral of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, official representatives of the Pope announced the deposition of Patriarch Michael Cerularius of Constantinople. In response, the patriarch anathematized the papal envoys. Since then, there have been churches that we today call Catholic and Orthodox.
Let's define concepts
Three main directions in Christianity - Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Protestantism. There is no single Protestant church, because there are many hundreds of Protestant churches (denominations) in the world. Orthodoxy and Catholicism are churches with a hierarchical structure, with their own doctrine, worship, their own internal legislation and their own religious and cultural traditions inherent in each of them.
Catholicism is an integral church, all components and all members of which are subject to the Pope as their head. The Orthodox Church is not so monolithic. At the moment it consists of 15 independent, but mutually recognizing and fundamentally identical churches. Among them are Russian, Constantinople, Jerusalem, Antioch, Georgian, Serbian, Bulgarian, Greek, etc.
What do Orthodoxy and Catholicism have in common?
Both Orthodox and Catholics are Christians who believe in Christ and striving to live according to His commandments. Both of them have one Holy Scripture - the Bible. No matter what we say about the differences, the Christian everyday life of both Catholics and Orthodox is built, first of all, according to the Gospel. The true role model, the basis of all life for any Christian is the Lord Jesus Christ, and He is one and only. Therefore, despite differences, Catholics and Orthodox profess and preach faith in Jesus Christ all over the world, proclaim the same Gospel to the world.
The history and traditions of the Catholic and Orthodox Church go back to the apostles. Peter, Pavel, Mark and other disciples of Jesus founded Christian communities in significant cities of the ancient world - Jerusalem, Rome, Alexandria, Antioch, etc. Those churches were formed around these centers that became the basis of the Christian world. That is why Orthodox and Catholics have sacraments (baptism, weddings, ordination of priests,), similar dogma, venerate common saints (who lived before the 11th century), and proclaim the same Nikeo-Tsaregradsky. Despite certain differences, both churches profess faith in the Holy Trinity.
For our time, it is important that both Orthodox and Catholics have a very similar view of the Christian family. Marriage is the union of a man and a woman. Marriage is blessed by the church and is considered a sacrament. Divorce is always a tragedy. Sexual relations before marriage are unworthy of the title of Christian, they are sinful. It is important to emphasize that both Orthodox and Catholics generally do not recognize homosexual marriages. Homosexual relationships themselves are considered a grave sin.
It should be especially noted that both Catholics and Orthodox recognize that they are not the same thing, that Orthodoxy and Catholicism are different churches, but Christian churches. This difference is so significant for both sides that for a thousand years there has been no mutual unity in the most important thing - in worship and communion of the Body and Blood of Christ. Catholics and Orthodox do not receive communion together.
At the same time, which is very important, both Catholics and Orthodox look at the mutual division with bitterness and repentance. All Christians are convinced that the unbelieving world needs a common Christian witness for Christ.
About separation
It is not possible to describe the development of the gap and the formation of the separated Catholic and Orthodox churches in this note. I will only note that the tense political situation of a thousand years ago between Rome and Constantinople prompted both sides to look for a reason to sort things out. Attention was drawn to the peculiarities of the hierarchical church structure, which were entrenched in the Western tradition, the peculiarities of dogma, ritual and disciplinary customs, which are not characteristic of the East.
In other words, it was the political tension that revealed the already existing and strengthened originality of the religious life of the two parts of the former Roman Empire. In many ways, the current situation was due to the difference in cultures, mentalities, national characteristics of the West and East. With the disappearance of the empire uniting the Christian churches, Rome and Western tradition stood apart from Byzantium for several centuries. With weak communication and an almost complete absence of mutual interest, their own traditions took root.
It is clear that the division of a single church into an eastern (Orthodox) and a western (Catholic) is a long and rather complicated process, which at the beginning of the 11th century only had its culmination. The until then united church, represented by five local or territorial churches, the so-called patriarchates, split. In July 1054, a mutual anathematization was proclaimed by the plenipotentiaries of the Pope and the Patriarch of Constantinople. A few months later, all the remaining patriarchates joined the position of Constantinople. The gap has only grown stronger and deeper over time. Finally, the Churches of the East and the Roman Church were divided after 1204 - the time of the destruction of Constantinople by the participants of the Fourth Crusade.
What is the difference between Catholicism and Orthodoxy?
Here are the main points, mutually recognized by both parties, that divide churches today:
The first important difference is the different understanding of the church. For Orthodox Christians, the one, so-called Universal Church, is manifested in specific independent, but mutually recognizing local churches. A person can belong to any of the existing Orthodox churches, thereby belonging to Orthodoxy in general. It is enough to share the same faith and sacraments with other churches. Catholics recognize one and only church as an organizational structure - Catholic, subordinate to the Pope. To belong to Catholicism, it is necessary to belong to the one and only Catholic Church, to have its faith and participate in its sacraments, and it is imperative to recognize the primacy of the pope.
In practice, this moment is revealed, first of all, in the fact that the Catholic Church has a dogma (obligatory doctrinal provision) about the primacy of the pope over the entire church and his infallibility in official teaching on matters of faith and morality, discipline and government. Orthodox do not recognize the primacy of the pope and believe that only the decisions of the Ecumenical (that is, universal) Councils are infallible and most authoritative. On the difference between the Pope and the Patriarch. In the context of what has been said, the imaginary situation of submission to the Pope of Rome of the now independent Orthodox patriarchs, and with them all bishops, priests and laity, looks absurd.
Second. There are differences in some important doctrinal matters. Let's point out one of them. It concerns the doctrine of God - the Holy Trinity. The Catholic Church professes in that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. The Orthodox Church confesses the Holy Spirit, which proceeds only from the Father. These seemingly “philosophical” subtleties of dogma have quite serious consequences in the theological doctrinal systems of each of the churches, sometimes contradicting each other. The unification and unification of the Orthodox and Catholic faiths at the moment seems to be an unsolvable task.
Third. Over the past centuries, many cultural, disciplinary, liturgical, legislative, mental, national features of the religious life of Orthodox and Catholics have not only strengthened, but also developed, which can sometimes contradict each other. First of all, it is about the language and style of prayer (memorized texts, or prayer in one's own words, or to music), about accents in prayer, about a special understanding of holiness and veneration of saints. But we must not forget about the benches in churches, scarves and skirts, the features of temple architecture or the styles of icon painting, the calendar, the language of worship, etc.
Both Orthodox and Catholic traditions have a fairly large degree of freedom in these quite secondary issues. This is clear. However, unfortunately, overcoming differences in this plane is unlikely, since it is this plane that represents the real life of ordinary believers. And, as you know, it is easier for them to give up some kind of “speculative” philosophizing than from their usual way of life and everyday understanding of it.
In addition, in Catholicism there is the practice of exclusively unmarried clergy, while in the Orthodox tradition the priesthood can be either married or monastic.
The Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church have different views on the topic of intimate relations between spouses. Orthodoxy condescendingly looks at the use of non-abortive contraceptives. And in general, the issues of the sexual life of the spouses are provided by them themselves and are not regulated by doctrine. Catholics, in turn, are categorically against any contraceptives.
In conclusion, I will say that these differences do not prevent the Orthodox and Catholic Churches from conducting a constructive dialogue, jointly opposing the massive departure from traditional and Christian values; jointly implement various social projects and peacekeeping actions.
Catholicism is part of Christianity, and Christianity itself is one of the main religions of the world. Its directions include: Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Protestantism, with many types and branches. Most often, people want to understand what difference does Orthodoxy have from Catholicism, how does one differ from the other? Do such similar religions and churches that have the same root as Catholicism and Orthodoxy have serious differences? Catholicism in Russia and other Slavic states is much less widespread than in the West. Catholicism (translated from the Greek "catholikos" - "universal") is a religious direction, numbering about 15% of the population of the entire globe (that is, about a billion people profess Catholicism). Of the three respected Christian denominations (Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Protestantism), Catholicism is rightfully considered the largest branch. Most adherents of this religious movement live in Europe, Africa, as well as in Latin America and the USA. The religious trend arose as early as the first century AD - at the dawn of Christianity, during times of persecution and religious disputes. Now, after 2 thousand years, the Catholic Church has taken pride of place among the world's religious denominations. Establish a connection with God!
Christianity and Catholicism. Story
In the first thousand years of Christianity, the word "Catholicism" did not exist, simply because there were no branches of Christianity, the faith was one. The history of Catholicism began in the Western Roman Empire, where in 1054 the Christian Church was divided into two main directions: Catholicism and Orthodoxy. Constantinople became the heart of Orthodoxy, and Rome was declared the center of Catholicism, the reason for this division was the split between Orthodoxy and Catholicism.Since then, the religious movement began to actively spread to the countries of Europe and America. Despite the subsequent multiple split of Catholicism (for example, Catholicism and Protestantism, Anglicanism, Baptism, etc.), it has become one of the largest denominations of the present time.
In the XI-XIII centuries, Catholicism in Europe gained the strongest power. Religious thinkers of the Middle Ages believed that God created the world, and it is unchanging, harmonious, reasonable.
In the XVI-XVII there was a collapse of the Catholic Church, during which a new religious direction appeared - Protestantism. What is the difference between Protestantism and Catholicism? First of all, in the organizational issue of the church and in the authority of the Pope.
The clergy belonged to the most important estate in connection with the mediation of the church between God and people. The religion of Catholicism insisted on the fulfillment of the commandments of the Bible. The church considered the ascetic a role model - a holy man who renounced worldly goods and riches that humiliate the state of the soul. The contempt of earthly riches was replaced by heavenly riches.
The church considered it a virtue to support low-income people. Kings, nobles close to them, merchants and even poor people tried to participate in charitable deeds as often as possible. At that time, a title appeared for special churches in Catholicism, which is assigned by the pope.
social doctrine
The Catholic doctrine was based not only on religious, but also on humanistic ideas. It was based on Augustinism, and later Thomism, accompanied by personalism and solidarism. The philosophy of the teaching was that, in addition to the soul and body, God gave people equal rights and freedoms that remain with a person all his life. Sociological as well as theological knowledge has helped build a developed social doctrine of the Catholic Church, which believes that its teachings were created by the apostles and still retain their original origins.
There are several doctrinal issues on which the Catholic Church has a distinct position. The reason for this was the split of Christianity into Orthodoxy and Catholicism.
Devotion to the mother of Christ, the Virgin Mary, who, according to Catholics, gave birth to Jesus without sin, and her soul and body were taken to heaven, where she has a special place between God and His people.
The unshakable belief that when the priest repeats the words of Christ from the Last Supper, the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus, although there is no outward change.
Catholic teaching has a negative attitude towards artificial methods of contraception, which, according to the church, interfere with the birth of a new life.
Recognition of abortion as the destruction of human life, which, according to the Catholic Church, begins at the moment of conception.
Control
The idea of Catholicism is closely connected with the apostles, especially with the apostle Peter. Saint Peter is considered the first pope, and each subsequent pope is considered his spiritual successor. This gives the leader of the church strong spiritual authority and authority to resolve disputes that could disrupt governance. The notion that church leadership is an unbroken lineage from the apostles and their teachings (“apostolic succession”) helped Christianity survive through times of trial, persecution, and reformation.
The advisory bodies are:
Synod of Bishops;
College of Cardinals.
The main differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism in the organs of church administration. The hierarchy of the Catholic Church consists of its bishops, priests and deacons. In the Catholic Church, power rests primarily with the bishops, with priests and deacons serving as their co-workers and assistants.
All clergy, including deacons, priests, and bishops, may preach, teach, baptize, perform sacred marriages, and conduct funerals.
Only priests and bishops may administer the sacraments of the Eucharist (although others may be ministers of Holy Communion), Penance (Reconciliation, Confession) and the Anointing of the Sick.
Only bishops can administer the sacrament of the Priesthood by which people become priests or deacons.
Catholicism: Churches and their meaning in religion
The church is considered "the body of Jesus Christ". The scripture says that Christ chose 12 apostles for God's temple, but it is the apostle Peter who is considered the first bishop. In order to become a full member of the Catholic Church Society, it is necessary to preach Christianity or undergo the sacred sacrament of baptism.
Catholicism: the essence of the 7 sacraments
The liturgical life of the Catholic Church revolves around 7 sacraments:
baptism;
chrismation (confirmation);
Eucharist (communion);
repentance (confession);
unction (unction);
marriage;
priesthood.
The purpose of the sacraments of the faith of Catholicism is to bring people closer to God, to feel grace, to feel unity with Jesus Christ.
1. Baptism
The first and main sacrament. Cleanses the soul from sins, gives grace. For Catholics, the sacrament of Baptism is the first step in their spiritual journey.
2. Confirmation (confirmation)
In the rite of the Catholic Church, Chrismation is allowed only after 13-14 years. It is believed that it is from this age that a person will be able to become a full member of church society. Confirmation is given through the anointing with holy Chrism and the laying on of hands.
3. Eucharist (Communion)
Sacrament in memory of the death and resurrection of the Lord. The incarnation of the flesh and blood of Christ is presented to believers through the tasting of wine and bread during worship.
4. Repentance
Through repentance, believers free their souls, receive forgiveness for their sins, and become closer to God and the church. The confession, or disclosure, of sins frees the soul and facilitates our reconciliation with others. In this sacred sacrament, Catholics find God's unconditional forgiveness and learn to forgive others.
5. Unction
Through the sacrament of anointing with oil (sacred oil), Christ heals believers who suffer from illness, giving them support and grace. Jesus showed great concern for the physical and spiritual well-being of the sick and commanded his followers to do the same. The celebration of this sacrament is an opportunity to deepen the faith of the community.
6. Marriage
The sacrament of marriage is to some extent a comparison of the union of Christ and the church. The marriage union is sanctified by God, filled with grace and joy, blessed for the future family life, the upbringing of children. Such a marriage is inviolable and ends only after the death of one of the spouses.
7. Priesthood
The sacrament, by which bishops, priests and deacons are ordained, receive power and grace for the performance of their sacred duties. The rite by which orders are conferred is called ordination. The apostles were ordained by Jesus at the Last Supper so that others could share in his priesthood.
The difference between Orthodoxy from Catholicism and Protestantism and their similarities
Catholic beliefs do not really differ significantly from the other major branches of Christianity, Greek Orthodoxy and Protestantism. All three main branches hold the doctrine of the Trinity, the deity of Jesus Christ, the inspiration of the Bible, and so on. But as far as certain doctrinal points are concerned, there are some differences. Catholicism differs in several beliefs, which include the special authority of the pope, the concept of purgatory, and the doctrine that the bread used in the Eucharist becomes the true body of Christ during the blessing of the priest.
Catholicism and Orthodoxy: differences
Being types of one religion, Catholicism and Orthodoxy did not find a common language for a long time, namely from the 13th century to the middle of the 20th century. Due to this fact, these two religions have received many differences. How is Orthodoxy different from Catholicism?
The first difference between Catholicism can be found in the structure of the organization of churches. So, in Orthodoxy there are many churches, separate and independent of each other: Russian, Georgian, Romanian, Greek, Serbian, etc. Catholic churches located in different countries around the world have a single mechanism and are subject to one ruler - the Pope.
It should also be noted that the Orthodox Church does not accept changes, believing that it is necessary to follow all the canons and honor all the knowledge that was transmitted by Jesus Christ to his apostles. That is, the Orthodox in the 21st century observe the same rules and customs as the Orthodox in the 15th, 10th, 5th and 1st centuries.
Another difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism is that in Orthodox Christianity the main divine service is the Divine Liturgy, in Catholicism it is the Mass. The parishioners of the Orthodox Church conduct the service standing, while Catholics often sit, but there are services that they conduct on their knees. The Orthodox endow only the Father with the symbol of faith and holiness, the Catholics give both the Father and the son.
Differs Catholicism and knowledge of life after death. In the Orthodox faith, there is no such thing as purgatory, unlike Catholicism, although such an intermediate stay of the soul after leaving the body and before entering the judgment of God is not denied.
The Orthodox call the Mother of God the Mother of God, they consider her born in sin, like ordinary people. Catholics refer to her as the Virgin Mary, conceived immaculately and ascended to heaven in human form. On Orthodox icons, saints are depicted in two dimensions to convey the presence of another dimension - the world of spirits. Catholic icons have an ordinary, simple perspective and the saints are depicted in a naturalistic way.
Another difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism is in the shape and form of the cross. For Catholics, it is presented in the form of two crossbars, it can be either with the image of Jesus Christ, or without it. If Jesus is present on the cross, then he is depicted with a martyr's look and his feet are chained to the cross with one nail. The Orthodox have a cross of four crossbars: a small horizontal one is added to the two main ones at the top and a crossbar at an angle below, symbolizing the direction to heaven and hell.
Faith Catholicism differs in the commemoration of the dead. Orthodox commemorate on days 3, 9 and 40, Catholics on days 3, 7 and 30. Also in Catholicism there is a special day of the year - November 1, when all the dead are commemorated. In many states, this day is a holiday.
Another difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism is that, unlike their counterparts in Protestant and Orthodox churches, Catholic priests take vows of celibacy. This practice is rooted in the early associations of the papacy with monasticism. There are several Catholic monastic orders, the most famous being the Jesuits, Dominicans and Augustinians. Catholic monks and nuns take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and dedicate themselves to a simple, worship-oriented life.
And finally, we can single out the process of the sign of the cross. In the Orthodox Church, they are baptized with three fingers and from right to left. Catholics, on the contrary, from left to right, the number of fingers does not matter.
Having got acquainted in Europe with the traditions of the Catholic Church and after talking with the priest upon her return, she discovered that there is much in common between the two areas of Christianity, but there are also fundamental differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, which, among other things, influenced the split of the once united Christian Church.
In my article, I decided to tell in an accessible language about the differences between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church and their common features.
Although churchmen argue that the matter is in "irreconcilable religious differences", scientists are sure that it was, first of all, a political decision. The tension between Constantinople and Rome forced the confessors to look for a reason to clarify the relationship and ways to resolve the conflict that had arisen.
It was difficult not to notice the features that were already entrenched in the West, where Rome dominated, that were different from those adopted in Constantinople, which is why they got hooked on it: a different arrangement in matters of hierarchy, aspects of dogma, the conduct of the sacraments - everything was used.
Due to political tensions, the existing difference between the two traditions that exist in different parts of the collapsed Roman Empire was revealed. The reason for the existing originality was the difference in culture, mentality of the western and eastern parts.
And, if the existence of one strong large state made the church one, with its disappearance the connection between Rome and Constantinople weakened, contributing to the creation and rooting in the western part of the country of some traditions unusual for the East.
The division of the once united Christian church on a territorial basis did not happen at one moment. East and West have been moving towards this for years, culminating in the 11th century. In 1054, during the Council, the Patriarch of Constantinople was deposed by the envoys of the Pope.
In response, he anathematized the envoys of the Pope. The heads of the other patriarchates shared the position of Patriarch Michael, and the split deepened. The final break is attributed to the time of the 4th Crusade, which sacked Constantinople. Thus, the united Christian Church split into Catholic and Orthodox.
Now Christianity combines three different directions: the Orthodox and Catholic churches, Protestantism. There is no single church that unites Protestants: there are hundreds of denominations. The Catholic Church is monolithic, it is led by the Pope, to whom all believers and dioceses are subject.
15 independent and mutually recognizing churches constitute the asset of Orthodoxy. Both directions are religious systems that include their own hierarchy and internal rules, dogma and worship, cultural traditions.
Common features of Catholicism and Orthodoxy
The followers of both churches believe in Christ, consider Him an example to follow, and try to follow His commandments. Holy Scripture for them is the Bible.
At the foundation of the traditions of Catholicism and Orthodoxy are the apostles-disciples of Christ, who founded Christian centers in major world cities (the Christian world relied on these communities). Thanks to them, both directions have sacraments, similar creeds, exalt the same saints, have the same Creed.
The followers of both churches believe in the power of the Holy Trinity.
The view of family formation converges in both directions. Marriage between a man and a woman takes place with the blessing of the church, being considered a sacrament. Same-sex marriages are not recognized. Entering into an intimate relationship before marriage is unworthy of a Christian and is considered a sin, and same-sex people are considered a serious fall into sin.
Followers of both directions agree that both the Catholic and Orthodox branches of the church represent Christianity, albeit in different ways. The difference for them is significant and irreconcilable, that for more than a thousand years there has been no unity in the way of worship and communion of the Body and Blood of Christ, therefore they do not take communion together.
Orthodox and Catholics: What's the difference?
The result of deep religious differences between East and West was the schism that took place in 1054. Representatives of both directions declare striking differences between them in the religious worldview. Such contradictions will be discussed later. For ease of understanding, I compiled a special table of differences.
| The essence of the difference | Catholics | Orthodox | |
| 1 | Opinion on the Unity of the Church | They consider it necessary to have a single faith, the sacraments and the head of the Church (Pope, of course) | They consider it necessary to unite the faith and the celebration of the sacraments |
| 2 | Different understanding of the Universal Church | The belonging of the local to the Universal Church is confirmed by communion with the Roman Catholic Church | The universal Church is embodied in local churches under the leadership of the bishop |
| 3 | Different interpretations of the Creed | The Holy Spirit is emitted by the Son and the Father | The Holy Spirit is emitted by the Father or comes from the Father through the Son |
| 4 | Sacrament of marriage | The conclusion of a marriage union between a man and a woman, blessed by a minister of the church, takes place for life without the possibility of divorce | Marriage between a man and a woman, blessed by the church, is concluded before the end of the earthly term of the spouses (in some situations, divorces are allowed) |
| 5 | The presence of an intermediate state of souls after death | The proclaimed dogma of purgatory presupposes the presence after death of the physical shell of an intermediate state of souls for whom paradise is prepared, but they cannot yet ascend to Heaven | Purgatory, as a concept, is not provided for in Orthodoxy (there are ordeals), however, in prayers for the dead, we are talking about souls left in an indefinite state and having the hope of finding a heavenly life after the Last Judgment |
| 6 | Conception of the Virgin Mary | In Catholicism, the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin is adopted. This means that no original sin was committed at the birth of the Mother of Jesus. | They venerate the Virgin Mary as a saint, but believe that the birth of the Mother of Christ occurred with original sin, like any other person |
| 7 | The presence of the dogma about the presence of the body and soul of the Virgin Mary in the Kingdom of Heaven | dogmatically fixed | Not dogmatically fixed, although followers of the Orthodox Church support this judgment |
| 8 | Supremacy of the Pope | According to the relevant dogma, the Pope of Rome is considered the head of the Church, having unquestioned authority on key religious and administrative issues. | The supremacy of the Pope is not recognized |
| 9 | Number of rites | Several rites are used, including the Byzantine | A single (Byzantine) rite dominates |
| 10 | Making Supreme Church Decisions | Guided by a dogma proclaiming the infallibility of the Head of the Church in matters of faith and morality, subject to the approval of a decision agreed with the bishops | We are convinced of the infallibility of exclusively Ecumenical Councils |
| 11 | Guidance in activities by the decisions of the Ecumenical Councils | Guided by the decisions of the 21st Ecumenical Council | Supports and is guided by the decisions taken at the first 7 Ecumenical Councils |
Summing up
Despite the centuries-old schism between the Catholic and Orthodox churches, which is not expected to be overcome in the near future, there are many similarities that testify to common origins.
There are many differences, so significant that the unification of the two directions is not possible. However, regardless of the differences, Catholics and Orthodox believe in Jesus Christ, carry His teachings and values around the world. Human error has divided Christians, but faith in the Lord brings the unity for which Christ prayed.