What are the major differences between Eastern Orthodox and Western Christianity?

Another difference between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church is the language. The Catholic Church services are in Latin while the Eastern Orthodox Churches services are in native languages. This caused a schism between the Eastern and Western beliefs and churches in the Roman Empire.

What makes Orthodox Christianity different?

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.

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.

How are the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church similar?

Eastern Churches on the Individuality of each part of the Trinity. The Catholic Church used unleavened bread (without yeast to make it rise) during Communion. The Eastern believe this Christ is present during Communion and use leavened bread. The 2 churches excommunicated each other in 1054.

Can Orthodox and Catholic marry?

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.

What came first Catholic or Orthodox?

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

Can a Catholic go to an Orthodox church?

If you are attending as a worshiper: Mostly yes. If a Catholic is unable to get to a Catholic mass (i.e. in Russia or an Eastern Orthodox nation), they can attend an Orthodox divine liturgy and it will satisfy their Sunday/holy day obligation. All Orthodox sacraments are considered valid by the Church .

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.

What Bible does the Orthodox Church use?

the New King James Version of the Bible

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.

Who is the leader of the Orthodox Church?

The Eastern Orthodox Church is a fellowship of “autocephalous” (Greek for self-headed) churches, with the ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople being the only autocephalous head who holds the title primus inter pares , meaning ” first among equals ” in Latin.

Do Eastern Orthodox pray the rosary?

Roman Catholics use the Rosary (Latin “rosarium”, meaning “rose garden”) with 59 beads. However, Eastern Orthodox Christians use a knotted prayer rope called either a komboskini or chotki, with 100 knots, although prayer ropes with 50 or 33 knots can also be used.

Is Orthodox or Catholic older?

Most early Christian clergy recognised the primacy and prominence of Rome, where the Pope resided. Therefore the Catholic Church is the oldest of all. Indian Orthodox church is not exactly (Eastern) Orthodox , which are doctrinally very close to Catholics .

What is the difference between Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches?

The primary theological difference between the two communions is the differing Christology. Oriental Orthodoxy does not have a magisterial leader like the Roman Catholic Church , nor does the communion have a leader who can convene ecumenical synods like the Eastern Orthodox Church .

Why is the Orthodox cross different?

The Russian Orthodox cross differs from the Western cross . The cross usually has three crossbeams, two horizontal and the third one is a bit slanted. The slanted line reminds us of the two thieves on both sides of the cross . One of them to the right of Christ ascended to Heaven, while the other one sank to Hell.