How does Orthodox Christianity differ from Roman Catholicism?

The Catholic Church believes the pope to be infallible in matters of doctrine. Orthodox believers reject the infallibility of the pope and consider their own patriarchs, too, as human and thus subject to error. Most Orthodox Churches have both ordained married priests and celibate monastics, so celibacy is an option.

Why did the Orthodox Church split from the Catholic Church?

The Great Schism came about due to a complex mix of religious disagreements and political conflicts. One of the many religious disagreements between the western (Roman) and eastern (Byzantine) branches of the church had to do with whether or not it was acceptable to use unleavened bread for the sacrament of communion.

Does the Catholic Church recognize the Orthodox Church?

They do not regard the Orthodox as heretical but merely as schismatic, for they do not recognise Papal supremacy. Alternatively the Orthodox will often diagnose the problem as primarily theological, pointing to Catholic dogmatic teachings on the Immaculate Conception and Papal Infallibility as being heretical.

Can Roman Catholic marry Russian Orthodox?

Apostolic succession and sacraments Most Orthodox Churches allow marriages between members of the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. Catholic canon law allows marriage between a Catholic and an Orthodox only if permission is obtained from the Catholic bishop.

Is Orthodox older than Catholic?

The orthodox / catholic churches are Pauline churches, distinct from the original church in Jerusalem. They are the same age. Neither is older than the other.

How is Orthodox different from Christianity?

Eastern Christians believe that they confess the true doctrine of God in the right ( orthodox ) way. The Bible of the Orthodox Church is the same as that of most Western Churches, except that its Old Testament is based not on the Hebrew, but on the ancient Jewish translation into Greek called the Septuagint.

Does the Orthodox Church pray to Mary?

The Eastern Orthodox Church considers Mary to have been elevated by God to the highest status, above all other creatures, though still only a human being. Devotions to icons of the Theotokos (often considered miraculous) are common in Eastern Orthodoxy.

Can a Roman Catholic receive Communion in a Greek Orthodox church?

In the case that it is impossible to approach a Catholic minister, that it is a case of real need or spiritual benefit, and that the danger of error or indifferentism is avoided, the Catholic Church permits its faithful to receive Communion in Orthodox Churches , although Orthodox Churches do not honour this and only

Can Orthodox priests marry?

In the Eastern Orthodox Church and Oriental Orthodoxy , celibacy is the norm for bishops; married men may be ordained to the priesthood , but even married priests whose wives pre-decease them are not allowed to enter marriage after ordination.

Does the Orthodox Church recognize the Pope?

It is the position of the Orthodox Church that it has never accepted the pope as de jure leader of the entire church . All bishops are equal “as Peter”, therefore every church under every bishop (consecrated in apostolic succession) is fully complete (the original meaning of catholic).

Can a Catholic confess to an Orthodox priest?

The Catholic Church says yes, the Orthodox vary in answer, sometimes even parish by parish. Ask the pastor of the Orthodox parish. Actually the short answer is no. The long answer is that in emergencies, that is where death is possible, then yes, just as any priest may hear a confession .

Was Catholic or Orthodox first?

The two were once one so originally there was no separation, and originally it was just the “Christian Church.” The Orthodox church is considered the original church now because they follow more of the old traditions than Roman Catholics do; more changes happened in the Catholic church after the east west schism than

Is Greek Orthodox Church Catholic?

Orthodox Churches , unlike the Catholic Church , have no single Supreme Pontiff, or Bishop (see also: Pontifex maximus), and hold the belief that Christ is the head of the Church . Greek Orthodox Churches are united in communion with each other, as well as with the other Eastern Orthodox Churches .

Can you marry twice in Catholic Church?

Can you remarry? If a person was married validly and then divorced but never obtained an annulment, then that person is still married in the eyes of the Church . He or she cannot validly marry again in the Catholic Church . If that happens, both parties are free to marry someone else — the Church hopes validly this time.