What is the difference between the Greek Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church?

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.

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.

Can a Roman Catholic attend a Greek 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 .

Which is older Greek Orthodox or Roman Catholic?

The Orthodox Church is older . In the eighth century, both the Eastern Orthodox Church and Roman Catholic Church agreed ratified an ecumenical council. A few centuries later, the Roman Catholic Church announced that they no longer recognized the validity of that council.

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.

How is Greek 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 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

Do Greek Orthodox say Hail Mary?

The Hail Mary prayer of the Eastern Orthodox Church and Byzantine Rite Catholic Churches is similar to the first part of the Latin Church form, with the addition of a very brief opening phrase and a short concluding phrase. It is well known and often used, though not quite as frequently as in the Western Church .

Why are Catholic and Orthodox Easter different?

The reason for the difference is that the Western Church follows the old Julian calendar, while the Orthodox Church uses the Gregorian calendar. This explains why the dates of Catholic and Orthodox Easter are different each year and rarely coincide.

Do Greek Orthodox say 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.

Which countries are Orthodox?

The term Eastern Orthodox Europe is informally used to describe the predominantly Eastern Orthodox countries of Eastern Europe, as well as Greece, Cyprus, and one Caucasus state, Georgia. These include Belarus, Bulgaria, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania , Russia , Serbia, and Ukraine .

How do Orthodox churches behave?

How to behave in a Russian Orthodox church Do not quarrel with believers. The first thing a visitor should know when he or she is inside an Orthodox church is that you shouldn’t irritate the parishioners. Dress appropriately. Enter the church correctly. Do not speak on the phone. Move about gracefully. The altar is a forbidden spot. Light a candle. And don’t eat.