What is the primary difference between The Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church?

Answer 1

The Eastern (as opposed to the oriental) Orthodox Church in general (not just the Greek Orthodox jurisdiction) differs from the Catholic Church in:

Catholics believe the Pope is superior in authority in religious and administrative matters above all other bishops as well as having the ability to invoke papal infallibility when expressing dealing with dogmas affecting the belief of the universal Church with regards to Faith and Morals. (Jesus Christ granted Saint Peter, the first pope, this role when he said "thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven." - Matthew 16:18-19.) It is also held in Tradition that he is the infallable head. There are also many other Bible references, however that is the main one.

The Orthodox don't accept Christ's message to Peter as for him being the infallable head, they don't think he had any special difference.

The Catholic Church has the doctrine of the Virgin Mary's "Immaculate Conception", the Orthodox Church does not.

The Catholic Church believes in Purgatory, where the Orthodox does not believe in it.

There are tons of other minor differences, the ones above are just the major differences that I can think of.

Answer 2

There are two main differences: 1. The Orthodoxbelieve that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone whilst Catholics believe the Spirit proceeds from both the Faher and the Son 2. Catholics acknowledge the Bishop of Rome (pope) as spiritual leader of the universal Church whilst the Orthodox look to the Patriarch of Constantinople. Both groups believe that Christ is the Head of the Church.

Answer 3

There are several different answers, one is that some of the saints believed in are different, the orthodox calender is different to the catholic calender, Easter is approximately 2 weeks after the catholic... Also, the events that occurr are sometimes celebrated in different ways, eg. on Easter, the catholic families usually send their children on an Easter-egg hunt, whereas most orthodox families (mainly lebanese) celebrate it in a more unusual way. They boil eggs, paint them any random colour, then each person gets a partner, then they smash the eggs together... Which ever egg is least damaged, wins ! And those are some differences between the two branches of Christianity.

Answer

Well it is obvious the Roman Catholic Church accepts the Pope in Rome as the head of church and follows seven sacaraments but the Orthodox Church is not in communion with the Roman Catholic Church which is it does not accept the Pope as its leader.

1. Eastern Church use Greek as their main language, Western Churches use Latin as their main language.

2. If you are the Priest in the Eastern Churches, you can marry. If you are the Priest in the Western Churches, you cannot marry.

3. Eastern Churches uses Ecumenical Councils which Bishops gather and discuss about something bout Christianity (ex. Herecies, etc.). Western Churches uses Papal Authority which is the Pope who order a command or rules.

Eastern Churches doesn't use instrumental music. Western Churches use instrumental music.

AnswerThe two churches split in medieval times. The Roman Catholic Church is based in Rome, under the authority of the Pope but the Orthodox Christians don't have a pope, only bishops.

The technical name for the body of Christians who use the Byzantine Rite in various languages and are in union with the Patriarch of Constantinople but in schism with the Pope of Rome. The epithet Orthodox (orthodoxos), meaning "right believer", is, naturally, claimed by people of every religion. It is almost exactly a Greek form of the official title of the chief enemies of the Greeks, i.e. the Moslems (mu'min, fidelis). The Monophysite Armenians called themselves ughapar, meaning exactly the same thing.

How "Orthodox" became the proper name of the Eastern Church it is difficult to say. It was used at first, long before the schism of Photius, especially in the East, not with any idea of opposition against the West, but rather as the antithesis to the Eastern heretics - Nestorians and Monophysites. Gradually, although of course, both East and West always claimed both names, "Catholic" became the most common name for the original Church in the West, "Orthodox" in the East.

Answer 4

There are any number of differences in theology and liturgy, most of which developed over years of schism. The fundamental difference, however, is that Catholics accept the Primacy of the Pope, and the Orthodox do not, adhering instead to a collegial polity of equal Patriarchs.

Answer 5

Answer:

Although the Catholic and Orthodox churches have much in common, there are some differences, both theological and non-theological.

1) Theological differences

* Catholicism accepts the Bishop of Rome as spiritual leader of the Church.

The Orthodox look to the Patriarch of Constantinople, but as "First Among Equals" rather than as a pope.

* Catholicism holds that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both Father and Son whilst Orthodoxy teaches that the Spirit proceeds only from the Father.

* Catholicism states that Mary was full of grace (i.e. sinless) from conception whilst Orthodoxy would tend to say that she entered this state only after accepting God's wish that she become Theotokos.

* Catholicism tends to be prescriptive whilst Orthodoxy is mystical e.g. both believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist; yet, Catholicism would say that this occurs during a particular moment of the Eucharistic Prayer whilst Orthodoxy would say that the whole Prayer is consecratory and all we know is that Christ is present by the time the people sing the Great Amen.

2) Non-theological differences:

* National Orthodox churches are virtually independent, whilst in Catholicism the Vatican can step in when it feels it is appropriate.

* Married men may be ordained as Orthodox priests (but not bishops) whilst in Catholicism only single men may be ordained (though Eastern Rite Catholics follow the Orthodox practice).

* Organisationally, the Orthodox Churches allow the laity more power in terms of decision-making than Catholicism e.g. in choosing pastors or bishops.

* In Catholicism, bishops are ultimately chosen by the pope, whilst in Orthodoxy (and Eastern Rite Catholicism) they are chosen by laity, clergy and bishops.

* In Orthodoxy a bishop governs his diocese with his synod whilst in Catholicism the bishop is only advised by his Council of Priests.

* The style of worship in Orthodoxy is more elaborate than in Latin Catholicism; the form of worship is almost identical between Orthodoxy and Eastern Rite Catholics.

What is Catholic? First and primarily, the sacraments: namely THE EUCHARIST. The Catholic Church follows the teachings of Jesus Christ. The early apostles gave their lives for the sake of the Gospel - "gospel" meaning 'Good News' / teachings of Jesus. From the earliest of scriptures and those early Church Fathers who succeeded the Apostles (Clement, Ignatius, Polycarp, Justin, Irenaeus and many more) all taught and continued the legacy of Jesus Christ, founder of Christianity. Among those teachings is the EUCHARIST; the giving of Jesus himself in the forms of bread and wine that through the mystery of "transubstantiation" become the Body and Blood of Jesus. This is what Catholics receive through the Liturgy of the Mass when they attend Church.

the founder of the Catholic Church is Jesus Christ.

Roman Catholic AnswerThe Orthodox Church mainly separated from the Catholic Church from political reasons. In separating from Rome they lost infallible guidance of the Holy Spirit but they maintain a valid priesthood. They are currently in discussions with Rome to reunite.

from A Catholic Dictionary, edited by Donald Attwater, Second edition, revised 1957

The Eastern Orthodox Church

The Patriarchates of Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch and Jerusalem with their associated churches which gradually severed themselves from the Holy See after 1054. ... It now consists of the four independent churches governed by patriarchs of those places and the following other autocephalous churches, namely, of Cyprus, Russia, Georgia, Sinai, Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Rumania, Finland, Albania, Poland and Japan. The patriarch of Constantinople has only a primacy of honour; the chiefs of all these churches govern under the control of a holy synod. The Byzantine rite in many languages, is common to all. Their orders and sacraments are valid. The parochial clergy are usually married, and bishops are chosen from among the monks, formerly very numerous. In theory there is complete unity, in fact a substantial agreement touching faith and morals. The Catholic Church regards these churches as being only in schism, but certain dogmatic differences are maintained by many eminent Orthodox theologians. They teach that the infallible Church has no visible head and speaks through the voice of the bishops as a body; the primacy (except of honour) and infallibility of the Holy See are rejected and only the first seven councils recognized as ecumenical. They reject the Filioque, teach that our Lady was purified from original sin at the Annunciation (cf.,Immaculate Conception) and are confused in their doctrine of Purgatory. Their teaching on the Real Presence seems indistinguishable from Transubstantiation, but like all dissident orientals they believe that consecration requires the epiklesis. They reject indulgences, alleging that sacramental absolution remits al temporal punishment. The practice of admitting divorce for adultery and in other circumstances is spreading. Many of the clergy of these churches are most inadequately trained; the people exceedingly devout and attached to their liturgies, but the use of the sacraments is far from general or even common, and their practice accordingly lags behind their external piety. Devotion to our Lady and other saints, and to the images and relics is very strong. The Orthodox are the second largest Christian body, numbering some 40 millions (excluding the large but uncertain number in U.S.S.R. [note-this article was written in 1957]), and found by emigration in most parts of the world; but except by Russians in the middle and far East they have been able to do practically no foreign missionary work....

Answer 6

It's just Catholic, not Roman Catholic. Roman is an epithet first commonly used in England after the protestant revolt to describe the Catholic Church. It is never used by the official Catholic Church.

The Catholic Church was established by Our Blessed Lord on His Apostle, Peter. The Greek Orthodox Church was one of the ethnic Churches within the Catholic Church until the 11th century when, due to a number of problems, they broke away from the Church.

from A Catholic Dictionary, edited by Donald Attwater, Second edition, revised 1957

The Eastern Orthodox Church

The Patriarchates of Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch and Jerusalem with their associated churches which gradually severed themselves from the Holy See after 1054. ... It now consists of the four independent churches governed by patriarchs of those places and the following other autocephalous churches, namely, of Cyprus, Russia, Georgia, Sinai, Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Rumania, Finland, Albania, Poland and Japan. The patriarch of Constantinople has only a primacy of honour; the chiefs of all these churches govern under the control of a holy synod. The Byzantine rite in many languages, is common to all. Their orders and sacraments are valid. In theory there is complete unity, in fact a substantial agreement touching faith and morals. The Catholic Church regards these churches as being only in schism, but certain dogmatic differences are maintained by many eminent Orthodox theologians. They teach that the infallible Church has no visible head and speaks through the voice of the bishops as a body; the primacy (except of honour) and infallibility of the Holy See are rejected and only the first seven councils recognized as ecumenical. They reject the Filioque, teach that our Lady was purified from original sin at the Annunciation (cf., Immaculate Conception) and are confused in their doctrine of Purgatory. Their teaching on the Real Presence seems indistinguishable from Transubstantiation, but like all dissident orientals they believe that consecration requires the epiklesis. They reject indulgences, alleging that sacramental absolution remits al temporal punishment. The practice of admitting divorce for adultery and in other circumstances is spreading. Many of the clergy of these churches are most inadequately trained; the people exceedingly devout and attached to their liturgies, but the use of the sacraments is far from general or even common, and their practice accordingly lags behind their external piety. Devotion to our Lady and other saints, and to the images and relics is very strong. The Orthodox are the second largest Christian body, numbering some 40 millions (excluding the large but uncertain number in U.S.S.R. [note-this article was written in 1957]), and found by emigration in most parts of the world; but except by Russians in the middle and far East they have been able to do practically no foreign missionary work....

Answer 7

Roman Catholic

· They spoke in Latin or local languages.

· The pope was "ruler" of the bishops.

· The pope claims authority over kings and emperors.

· Priests can't be married.

Eastern Orthodox

· Spoke in Greek or local languages.

· The Patriarch and the bishops lead the church together.

· The emperor or king rules over the church.

Priests can marry.

Answer 8

Russian Orthodox chruch is part of the Orhtodox Cannon, the oldest form of Christianity. The Church is part of the same group that includes the Greek, Armenian and other ORthodox Churchs.

The only difference between the Russian and other Orthodox churches is their primary language, and other non-christian traditions like dances, prominant festivals, or supersticions.

But as far as the rest of Christianity goes, the Orthodox's main difference is a unique date for Easter, their ties with the old testament, and their more strict christian lifestyle adhering to more fast days then any other sect of Christianity.

Answer 9

Catholic Answer

Liturgically there are really no differences in that the Catholic Church is composed of all the same Rites as the Orthodox. When the Orthodox split from Rome in the eleventh century, each Eastern Rite Church split in two, to this day there is a Greek Orthodox Church, which is in schism, and a Greek Uniate Rite - which looks and acts the same way with the same language - that is in Catholic and in union with the Pope. Similarily with every other Rite except the Latin and the Maronite Rites - which never split or left the Church. Bottom line? The Orthodox Churches are nationalchurches responsible to their governments (Russian, Greek, etc.), the Catholic Church is the Church founded by Our Blessed Lord, Jesus Christ.

from A Catholic Dictionary, edited by Donald Attwater, Second edition, revised 1957

The Schism of the East: the estrangement and severance from the Holy See of what is now called the Orthodox Eastern Church was a gradual process extending over centuries. After a number of minor schisms the first serious, though short, break was that of Photius; from then on tension between East and West increased, and the schism of Cerularius occurred in 1054. From then on the breach gradually widened and has been definitive since 1472. There was a formal union from the 2nd Council of Lyons in 1274 until 1282, and a more promising one after the Council of Florence from 1439 to 1472. After the capture of Constantinople it was in the Turkish interest to reopen and widen the breach with the powerful Roman church; the patriarchates of Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem were dragged into this policy, Russia and the Slav churches stood out the longest of any: none of these churches, except Constantinople itself in 1472, formally and definitely broke away from the unity of the Church. But in the course of centuries the schism has set and crystallized into a definite separation from the Holy See of many million people with a true priesthood and valid sacraments. The origins, causes and development of the schism are matters of much complication, still not fully unraveled.

from Modern Catholic Dictionary by John A. Hardon, S.J. Doubleday & Co., Inc. Garden City, NY 1980
Separation of the Christian Churches of the East from unity with Rome. The schism was centuries in the making and finally became fixed in 1054, when the Patriarch of Constantinople, Michael Cerularisu (died 1059), was excommunicated by the papal legates for opposing the use of leavened bread by the Latin Church and removing the Pope's name from the diptychs or list of persons to be prayed for in the Eucharistic liturgy. A temporary reunion with Rome was effected by the Second Council of Lyons (1274) and the Council of Florence (1439) but never stabilized.