Differences between the Catholic and Orthodox churches. The main differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism

Orthodoxy differs from Catholicism, but not everyone will answer the question of what exactly these differences are. There are differences between the churches in symbolism, and in the ritual, and in the dogmatic part.

We have different crosses

The first external difference between Catholic and Orthodox symbols concerns the image of the cross and the crucifix. If in the early Christian tradition there were 16 types of cross shapes, today traditionally a four-sided cross is associated with Catholicism, and an eight-pointed or six-pointed cross with Orthodoxy.

The words on the tablet on the crosses are the same, only the languages ​​\u200b\u200bare different, in which the inscription “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. In Catholicism, this is Latin: INRI. In some Eastern churches, the Greek abbreviation INBI is used from the Greek text Ἰησοῦς ὁ Ναζωραῖος ὁ Bασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων.

In this document, in the second paragraph of the first part, the text of the Creed without the filioque is given: "Et in Spiritum Sanctum, Dominum et vivificantem, qui ex Patre procedit, qui cum Patre et Filio simul adoratur et conglorificatur, qui locutus est per prophetas" . (“And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, proceeding from the Father, who, together with the Father and the Son, is to be worshiped and glorified, who spoke through the prophets.”)

No official, conciliar decisions followed this declaration, so the situation with the filioque remains the same.

The main difference between the Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church is that the head of the Orthodox Church is Jesus Christ, in Catholicism the church is headed by the vicar of Jesus Christ, its visible head (Vicarius Christi), the Pope of Rome.

Christians all over the world are arguing about which of the beliefs is more correct and more important. Regarding Catholics and Orthodox: what is the difference (and is there any) today are the most interesting questions.

It would seem that everything is so clear and simple that everyone can clearly answer briefly. But there are those who simply do not even know what the relationship between these confessions is.

The history of the existence of two currents

So, first you need to deal with Christianity in general. It is known that it is divided into three branches: Orthodox, Catholics, Protestants. Protestantism has several thousand churches and they are distributed in all corners of the planet.

Back in the 11th century, Christianity was divided into Orthodoxy and Catholicism. There were a number of reasons for this, from the conduct of church rites to the dates of the holidays. There are not so many differences between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox. First of all, the way of management. Orthodoxy consists of numerous churches ruled by archbishops, bishops, metropolitans. The Catholic Churches all over the world are subordinate to the Pope. They are considered the Universal Church. In all countries, the churches of Catholics are in close and simple relationship.

Similarities between Orthodoxy and Catholicism

Orthodoxy and Catholicism have similarities and differences in approximately equal proportions. It is worth noting that both religions have not only a number of differences. Both Orthodoxy and Catholicism are very similar to each other. Here are the main points:

In addition, both confessions are united in the veneration of icons, the Mother of God, the Holy Trinity, saints, their relics. Also, the churches are united by some saints of the first millennium, the Holy Letter, Church Sacraments.

Differences between faiths

Distinctive features between these confessions also exist. It was because of these factors that the church once split. It is worth noting:

• Cross sign. Today, probably, everyone is aware of how Catholics and Orthodox are baptized. Catholics are baptized from left to right, we are vice versa. According to the symbolism, when we are baptized first from the left, then to the right, then we are turned to God, if on the contrary, God is directed to his servants and blesses them.
• Unity of the Church. Catholics have one faith, sacraments and head - the Pope. In Orthodoxy there is no one leader of the Church, therefore there are several patriarchates (Moscow, Kiev, Serbian, etc.).
• Features of the conclusion of a church marriage. Divorce is taboo in Catholicism. Our church, unlike Catholicism, allows divorce.
• Heaven and Hell. According to Catholic dogma, the soul of the deceased goes through purgatory. In Orthodoxy, they believe that the human soul goes through so-called ordeals.
• The Sinless Conception of the Mother of God. According to the accepted Catholic dogma, the Mother of God was immaculately conceived. Our clergy believe that the Mother of God had an ancestral sin, although her holiness is glorified in prayers.
• Decision making (number of councils). Orthodox Churches make decisions in 7 Ecumenical Councils, Catholic - 21.
• Disagreement in positions. Our clergy do not recognize the dogmas of Catholics that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son, believing that only from the Father.
• The essence of love. The Holy Spirit among Catholics is signified as love between the Father and the Son, God, believers. Orthodox see love as triune: Father - Son - Holy Spirit.
• Infallibility of the Pope. Orthodoxy denies the primacy of the Pope over all Christianity and his infallibility.
• Mystery of Baptism. We must confess before the procedure. The child is immersed in the font, and after the Latin rite, water is poured over the head. Confession is considered a voluntary act.
• Priests. Catholic priests are called pastors, priests (among the Poles) and priests (a priest in everyday life) among the Orthodox. Pastors don't wear beards, but priests and monks wear beards.
• Fast. Catholic canons regarding fasting are less strict than those of the Orthodox. The minimum retention from food is 1 hour. In contrast, our minimum food retention is 6 hours.
• Prayers before icons. There is an opinion that Catholics do not pray in front of icons. Actually it is not. They have icons, but they have a number of features that differ from the Orthodox ones. For example, the left hand of the saint lies on the right (for the Orthodox, on the contrary), and all the words are written in Latin.
• Liturgy. According to traditions, church services are performed on Host (unleavened bread) in the Western rite and Prosphora (leavened bread) among the Orthodox.
• Celibacy. All Catholic ministers of the church take a vow of celibacy, but our priests get married.
• Holy water. Church ministers sanctify, and Catholics bless the water.
• Memorial Days. These denominations also have different days of commemoration of the dead. Catholics have the third, seventh and thirtieth day. For the Orthodox - the third, ninth, fortieth.

church hierarchy

It is also worth noting the difference in hierarchical categories. According to the grade table, the highest step among the Orthodox is occupied by the patriarch. Next step - metropolitan, archbishop, bishop. Next come the ranks of priests and deacons.

The Catholic Church has the following ranks:

• the Pope;
• archbishops,
• Cardinals;
• Bishops;
• Priests;
• Deacons.

The Orthodox have two opinions about the Catholics. First, Catholics are heretics who have distorted the creed. Second: Catholics are schismatics, because it was precisely because of them that the split from the One Holy Apostolic Church occurred. Catholicism, however, considers us schismatics, without classifying us as heretics.

Christianity is the dominant religious denomination on the planet. The number of its followers is estimated in billions of people, and the geography covers most of the developed countries of the world. Today it is represented by many branches, the most significant of which are Catholics and Orthodox. What is the difference between them? To find out, you need to plunge into the depths of centuries.

Historical roots of schism

The great schism of the Christian church or schism took place in 1054. The key points that formed the basis of the fatal gap:

1. Nuances of worship. First of all, the most acute question was whether to celebrate the liturgy on unleavened or leavened bread;
2. Non-recognition of the concept of Pentarchy by the See of Rome. It assumed equal participation in the solution of questions of theology of five departments located in Rome, Antioch, Jerusalem, Alexandria and Constantinople. The Latins traditionally acted from a position of papal primacy, which strongly alienated the other four sees;
3. Serious theological controversy. In particular, regarding the essence of the Triune God.

The formal reason for the break was the closure of Greek churches in southern Italy, subjected to the Norman conquest. This was followed by a mirror response in the form of the closing of the Latin churches in Constantinople. The last action was accompanied by mockery of the shrines: the Holy Gifts, prepared for the liturgy, were trampled on.

In June-July 1054, a mutual exchange of anathemas took place, which meant split which is still ongoing.

What is the difference between Catholics and Orthodox?

Separate existence two main branches of Christianity has been going on for almost a thousand years. During this time, a large array of significant differences in views has accumulated that relate to any aspect of church life.

Orthodox have the following views, which their Western counterparts do not accept in any way:

• One of the hypostases of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, originates only from the Father (the creator of the world and man, the basis of all things), but not from the Son (Jesus Christ, the Old Testament messiah, who sacrificed himself for human transgressions);
• Grace is the act of the Lord, and not something taken for granted from the act of creation;
• There is their own view of the cleansing of sins after death. Catholic sinners are doomed to torment in purgatory. The Orthodox, on the other hand, face ordeals await them - the path to unity with the Lord, which does not necessarily involve torture;
• In the Eastern branch, the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God (mother of Jesus Christ) is also not revered at all. Catholics believe that she became a mother, avoiding vicious sexual intercourse.

Ritual differentiation

Differences in the field of worship are not rigid, but quantitatively they are much more:

1. The person of the priest. The Roman Catholic Church attaches great importance to it in the liturgy. He has the right to pronounce symbolic words in his own name when performing rituals. The Constantinopolitan tradition assigns the priest the role of "God's servant" and no more;
2. The number of permitted services per day also differs. The Byzantine rite allows you to do this only once on one throne (temple on the altar);
3. Baptism of a child only among Eastern Christians takes place by obligatory immersion in a font. In the rest of the world, it is enough to sprinkle the child with holy water;
4. In the Latin rite, specially designated rooms, called confessionals, are used for confession;
5. Altar (altar) only in the East is separated from the rest of the church by a partition (iconostasis). The Catholic presbytery, in contrast, is designed as an architecturally open space.

Are Armenians Catholics or Orthodox?

The Armenian Church is considered one of the most distinctive in Eastern Christianity. It has a number of features that make it absolutely unique:

• Jesus Christ is recognized as a superhuman being who does not have a body and does not experience any needs inherent in all other people (even food and drink);
• Traditions of icon painting are practically not developed. It is not customary to worship artistic images of saints. That is why the interior of Armenian churches is so different from all others;
• Following the Latins, holidays are tied to the Gregorian calendar;
• There is a unique and unlike anything religious “table of ranks”, which includes five steps (as opposed to three in the ROC);
• In addition to Lent, there is an additional period of abstinence called arachawork;
• In prayers, it is customary to praise only one of the hypostases of the Trinity.

The official attitude of the Russian Orthodox Church towards the Armenian confession is emphatically respectful. However, her followers are not recognized as Orthodox, which is why even a visit to an Armenian church can be a sufficient reason for excommunication.

Therefore, believing Armenians are Catholics.

Features of honoring the holidays

It is not at all surprising that differences exist in the conduct of holidays:

• The most important post in all Christian churches, called Great, in the Latin Rite begins on Wednesday of the seventh week before Easter. With us, abstinence begins two days earlier, on Monday;
• The methods for calculating the date of Easter differ significantly. They coincide quite rarely (as a rule, in 1/3 of cases). In both cases, the starting point is the day of the vernal equinox (March 21) according to the Gregorian (in Rome) or Julian calendar;
• The set of red days of the church calendar in the West includes holidays unknown in Russia to honor the Body and Blood of Christ (60 days after Easter), the Sacred Heart of Jesus (8 days after the previous one), the Feast of the Heart of Mary (the next day);
• And vice versa, we celebrate such holidays that are completely unknown to the adherents of the Latin rite. Among them - the worship of some relics (the relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker and the chains of the Apostle Peter);
• If Catholics completely deny the celebration of the Sabbath, then the Orthodox consider it one of the Lord's days.

Rapprochement of Orthodox and Catholics

Christians around the world today have much more in common than even a hundred years ago. Both in Russia and in the West, the church is under deep siege by secular society. The number of parishioners among young people is decreasing year by year. New cultural challenges are emerging in the form of sectarianism, pseudo-religious movements and Islamization.

All this makes former enemies and competitors forget old grievances and try to find a common language in a post-industrial society:

• As stated at the Second Vatican Council, the differences between Eastern and Western theologies are complementary rather than conflicting. The decree "Unitatis Redintegratio" states that in this way the fullest vision of Christian truth is achieved;
• Pope John Paul II, who wore the papal tiara from 1978-2005, noted that the Christian church needs to "breathe with both lungs." He emphasized the synergy of the rational Latin and the mystical-intuitive Byzantine traditions;
• He was echoed by his successor, Benedict XVI, who declared that the Eastern churches were not separated from Rome;
• Since 1980, regular plenums of the Commission for Theological Dialogue between the two churches have been held. The last meeting devoted to issues of catholicity was held in 2016 in Italy.

A few hundred years ago, religious contradictions caused serious conflicts even in prosperous European countries. However, secularization has done its job: who are Catholics and Orthodox, what is the difference between them - this is of little concern to the modern man in the street. Omnipotent agnosticism and atheism have turned a millennium-old Christian conflict into ashes, leaving it at the mercy of gray-haired elders in clothes creeping on the floor.

Video: the story of the split between Catholics and Orthodox

In this video, the historian Arkady Matrosov will tell you why Christianity split into two religious movements, which preceded this:

At the turn of the 8th-9th centuries, the lands of the western part of the once powerful Roman Empire came out from under the influence of Constantinople. The political schism led to the division of the Christian Church into Eastern and Western, which now have their own peculiarities of governance. The Pope in the West has concentrated both ecclesiastical and secular power in the same hands. The Christian East, however, continued to live in conditions of mutual understanding and mutual respect for the two branches of power - the Church and the emperor.

The final date of the split of Christianity is considered to be 1054. The deep unity of believers in Christ was broken. After that, the Eastern Church began to be called Orthodox, and the Western - Catholic. Already from the moment of separation, there were differences in the dogma of East and West.

Let us outline the main differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism.

Organization of the Church

Orthodoxy retains a territorial division into independent local churches. Today there are fifteen of them, nine of which are patriarchates. In the field of canonical issues and rituals, local churches may have their own characteristics. Orthodox believe that Jesus Christ is the head of the Church.

Catholicism adheres to organizational unity in the authority of the pope with a division into churches of the Latin and Eastern (Uniate) rites. Monastic orders were given considerable autonomy. Catholics consider the Pope to be the head of the Church and the indisputable authority.

The Orthodox Church is guided by the decisions of the Seven Ecumenical Councils, the Catholic Church by twenty-one.

Admission of new members to the Church

In Orthodoxy, this happens through the Sacrament of Baptism by three times, in the name of the Most Holy Trinity, immersion in water. Both adults and children can be baptized. A new member of the Church, even if it is a child, immediately receives communion and is chrismated.

The sacrament of Baptism in Catholicism occurs through dousing or sprinkling with water. Both adults and children can be baptized, but the first communion takes place at the age of 7-12. By this time, the child should have learned the basics of faith.

worship

The main service for the Orthodox is the Divine Liturgy, for the Catholics - the Mass (the modern name of the Catholic liturgy).

The Orthodox of the Russian Church during services stand as a sign of special humility before God. In other Eastern Rite Churches, it is allowed to sit during worship. And as a sign of unconditional and complete obedience, the Orthodox kneel.

It is not entirely fair to say that Catholics sit for the entire service. They spend a third of the entire service standing. But there are services that Catholics listen to on their knees.

The difference in communion

In Orthodoxy, the Eucharist (Communion) is celebrated on leavened bread. Both the priesthood and the laity partake of both the Blood (under the guise of wine) and the Body of Christ (under the guise of bread).

In Catholicism, the Eucharist is celebrated on unleavened bread. The priesthood partakes of both the Blood and the Body, while the laity receive only the Body of Christ.

Confession

Confession in the presence of a priest is considered obligatory in Orthodoxy. Without confession, a person is not allowed to take communion, except for the communion of infants.

In Catholicism, confession in the presence of a priest is obligatory at least once a year.

Sign of the Cross and pectoral cross

In the tradition of the Orthodox Church - four-, six- and eight-pointed with four nails. In the tradition of the Catholic Church - a four-pointed cross with three nails. Orthodox Christians are baptized over the right shoulder, and Catholics over the left.

Icons

There are Orthodox icons venerated by Catholics, and Catholic icons venerated by Eastern Rite believers. But still there are significant differences in the sacred images on Western and Eastern icons.

The Orthodox icon is monumental, symbolic, strict. She talks about nothing and teaches no one. Its multi-level nature requires deciphering - from the literal to the sacred meaning.

The Catholic image is more picturesque and in most cases is an illustration of biblical texts. Here the imagination of the artist is noticeable.

The Orthodox icon is two-dimensional - only horizontal and vertical, this is important. It is written in the tradition of reverse perspective. The Catholic icon is three-dimensional, painted in direct perspective.

The sculptural images of Christ, the Virgin and saints, accepted in Catholic churches, are rejected by the Eastern Church.

Marriage of priests

The Orthodox priesthood is divided into white clergy and black (monks). Monks take a vow of celibacy. If the clergyman has not chosen the monastic path for himself, then he must marry. All Catholic priests observe celibacy (celibate vow).

The doctrine of the posthumous fate of the soul

In Catholicism, in addition to heaven and hell, there is a doctrine of purgatory (private judgment). This is not the case in Orthodoxy, although there is a concept of ordeals of the soul.

Relations with secular authorities

Today only in Greece and Cyprus Orthodoxy is the state religion. In all other countries the Orthodox Church is separated from the state.

The relationship of the Pope with the secular authorities of states where Catholicism is the dominant religion is regulated by concordats - agreements between the pope and the government of the country.

Once upon a time, human intrigues and mistakes divided Christians. Difference in doctrine, of course, is an obstacle to unity in faith, but should not be a reason for enmity and mutual hatred. This is not why Christ came to earth.

Until 1054 the Christian Church was one and indivisible. The split occurred due to disagreements between Pope Leo IX and the Patriarch of Constantinople Michael Cirularius. The conflict began due to the last closing of several Latin churches in 1053. For this, the papal legates excommunicated Cirularius from the Church. In response, the patriarch anathematized the papal envoys. In 1965 mutual curses were lifted. However, the schism of the Churches has not yet been overcome. Christianity is divided into three main areas: Orthodoxy, Catholicism and Protestantism.

Eastern Church

The difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, since both of these religions are Christian, is not very significant. However, there are still some differences in doctrine, the performance of the sacraments, etc. About which ones, we'll talk a little later. First, let's make a small overview of the main directions of Christianity.

Orthodoxy, called in the West an orthodox religion, is currently practiced by about 200 million people. Approximately 5,000 people are baptized every day. This direction of Christianity was spread mainly in Russia, as well as in some countries of the CIS and Eastern Europe.

The Baptism of Rus' took place at the end of the 9th century on the initiative of Prince Vladimir. The ruler of a huge pagan state expressed a desire to marry the daughter of the Byzantine emperor Basil II, Anna. But for this he had to accept Christianity. An alliance with Byzantium was essential to strengthen the authority of Rus'. At the end of the summer of 988, a huge number of Kyivans were christened in the waters of the Dnieper.

Catholic Church

As a result of the split in 1054, a separate confession arose in Western Europe. Representatives of the Eastern Church called her "Catholicos". In Greek it means "universal". The difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism lies not only in the approach of these two Churches to some of the dogmas of Christianity, but also in the very history of development. The Western confession, compared to the Eastern one, is considered much more rigid and fanatical.

One of the most important milestones in the history of Catholicism was, for example, the Crusades, which brought much grief to the common population. The first of these was organized at the call of Pope Urban II in 1095. The last - the eighth - ended in 1270. The official goal of all crusades was the liberation of the "holy land" of Palestine and the "Holy Sepulcher" from the infidels. The actual one is the conquest of lands that belonged to Muslims.

In 1229, Pope George IX issued a decree establishing the Inquisition - an ecclesiastical court for cases of apostates from the faith. Torture and burning at the stake - this is how extreme Catholic fanaticism was expressed in the Middle Ages. In total, during the existence of the Inquisition, more than 500 thousand people were tortured.

Of course, the difference between Catholicism and Orthodoxy (this will be briefly discussed in the article) is a very large and deep topic. However, with regard to the attitude of the Church towards the population, in general terms, its traditions and basic concept can be understood. The Western denomination has always been considered more dynamic, but at the same time aggressive, in contrast to the "calm" orthodox one.

Currently, Catholicism is the state religion in most European and Latin American countries. More than half of all (1.2 billion people) modern Christians profess this particular religion.

Protestantism

The difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism also lies in the fact that the former has remained united and indivisible for almost a millennium. In the Catholic Church in the XIV century. a split occurred. This was connected with the Reformation - a revolutionary movement that arose at that time in Europe. In 1526, at the request of the German Lutherans, the Swiss Reichstag issued a decree on the right of free choice of religion by citizens. In 1529, however, it was abolished. As a result, a protest followed from a number of cities and princes. This is where the word “Protestantism” comes from. This Christian direction is subdivided into two more branches: early and late.

At the moment, Protestantism is spread mostly in the Scandinavian countries: Canada, USA, England, Switzerland, the Netherlands. In 1948 the World Council of Churches was created. The total number of Protestants is about 470 million people. There are several denominations of this Christian direction: Baptists, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Calvinists.

In our time, the World Council of Protestant Churches is pursuing an active peacemaking policy. Representatives of this religion advocate detente of international tension, support the efforts of states in defense of peace, etc.

The difference between Orthodoxy from Catholicism and Protestantism

Of course, during the centuries of schism, significant differences arose in the traditions of the churches. The basic principle of Christianity - the acceptance of Jesus as the Savior and the Son of God - they did not touch. However, in relation to certain events of the New and Old Testaments, there are often even mutually exclusive differences. In some cases, the methods of conducting various kinds of rites and sacraments do not converge.

Christian cross: differences

Disagreements regarding the descent of the Holy Spirit are the main difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism. The table also shows many other, albeit not too significant, but still discrepancies. They arose long ago, and, apparently, none of the churches expresses a special desire to resolve these contradictions.

There are differences in the attributes of different areas of Christianity. For example, the Catholic cross has a simple quadrangular shape. The Orthodox have eight-pointed. The orthodox Eastern Church believes that this type of crucifix most accurately conveys the shape of the cross described in the New Testament. In addition to the main horizontal bar, it contains two more. The upper one personifies a tablet nailed to the cross and containing the inscription "Jesus of Nazarene, King of the Jews." The lower slanting crossbar - a prop for the feet of Christ - symbolizes the "righteous measure".

Table of differences of crosses

The image of the Savior on the crucifix used in the Sacraments is also something that can be attributed to the topic "the difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism." The western cross is a little different from the eastern one.

As you can see, in relation to the cross there is also a quite noticeable difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism. The table shows this clearly.

As for the Protestants, they consider the cross to be a symbol of the Pope, and therefore they practically do not use it.

Icons in different Christian directions

So, the difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism and Protestantism (the table of comparisons of crosses confirms this) in relation to paraphernalia is quite noticeable. There are even greater discrepancies in these directions in icons. The rules for depicting Christ, the Mother of God, saints, etc. may differ.

Below are the main differences.

The main difference between an Orthodox icon and a Catholic one is that it is written in strict accordance with the canons established back in Byzantium. Western images of saints, Christ, etc., strictly speaking, have nothing to do with the icon. Usually such paintings have a very broad plot and are painted by ordinary, non-church artists.

Protestants consider icons to be a pagan attribute and do not use them at all.

Monasticism

With regard to leaving worldly life and devoting oneself to the service of God, there is also a significant difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism and Protestantism. The comparison table above shows only the main differences. But there are other differences, also quite noticeable.

For example, in our country, each monastery is practically autonomous and is subordinate only to its own bishop. Catholics have a different organization in this regard. The monasteries are united in the so-called Orders, each of which has its own head and its charter. These associations may be scattered throughout the world, but nevertheless they always have a common leadership.

Protestants, unlike Orthodox and Catholics, reject monasticism altogether. One of the inspirers of this teaching - Luther - even married a nun.

Church Sacraments

There is a difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism in relation to the rules for conducting various kinds of rituals. In both of these Churches, 7 sacraments are accepted. The difference is primarily in the meaning attached to the main Christian rites. Catholics believe that the sacraments are valid whether a person is in tune with them or not. According to the Orthodox Church, baptism, chrismation, etc., will be effective only for believers who are completely disposed towards them. Orthodox priests even often compare Catholic rites with some kind of pagan magical ritual that operates regardless of whether a person believes in God or not.

The Protestant Church practices only two sacraments: baptism and communion. Everything else is considered superficial and rejected by representatives of this trend.

Baptism

This main Christian sacrament is recognized by all churches: Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Protestantism. Differences are only in the ways of performing the ceremony.

In Catholicism, it is customary for babies to be sprinkled or doused. According to the dogmas of the Orthodox Church, children are completely immersed in water. Recently, there has been some deviation from this rule. However, now the ROC is again returning in this rite to the ancient traditions established by the Byzantine priests.

The difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism (the crosses worn on the body, like large ones, may contain the image of an “orthodox” or “Western” Christ) in relation to the performance of this sacrament, therefore, is not very significant, but it still exists.

Protestants usually perform the rite of baptism also with water. But in some denominations it is not used. The main difference between Protestant baptism and Orthodox and Catholic baptism is that it is performed exclusively for adults.

Differences in the sacrament of the Eucharist

We have considered the main differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism. This is an attitude to the descent of the Holy Spirit and to the virginity of the birth of the Virgin Mary. Such significant divergences have emerged over the centuries of schism. Of course, they are also present in the celebration of one of the main Christian sacraments - the Eucharist. Catholic priests take communion only with bread, and unleavened. This church product is called wafers. In Orthodoxy, the sacrament of the Eucharist is celebrated with wine and ordinary yeast bread.

In Protestantism, not only members of the Church, but also anyone who wishes is allowed to receive communion. Representatives of this branch of Christianity celebrate the Eucharist in the same way as the Orthodox - with wine and bread.

Contemporary Church Relations

The split of Christianity occurred almost a thousand years ago. And during this time, the churches of different directions failed to agree on unification. Disagreements regarding the interpretation of Holy Scripture, paraphernalia and rituals, as you see, have survived to this day and have even intensified over the centuries.

Relations between the two main confessions, Orthodox and Catholic, are also rather ambiguous in our time. Until the middle of the last century, serious tensions remained between these two churches. The key concept in the relationship was the word "heresy".

Recently, this situation has changed a bit. If earlier the Catholic Church considered Orthodox Christians almost a bunch of heretics and schismatics, then after the Second Vatican Council it recognized the orthodox Sacraments as valid.

Orthodox priests did not officially establish such an attitude towards Catholicism. But the completely loyal acceptance of Western Christianity has always been traditional for our church. However, of course, some tension between Christian denominations still persists. For example, our Russian theologian A. I. Osipov does not have a very good attitude towards Catholicism.

In his opinion, there is a more than noteworthy and serious difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism. Osipov considers many saints of the Western Church almost crazy. He also warns the Russian Orthodox Church that, for example, cooperation with the Catholics threatens the Orthodox with complete submission. However, he repeatedly mentioned that among Western Christians there are wonderful people.

Thus, the main difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism is the attitude towards the Trinity. The Eastern Church believes that the Holy Spirit proceeds only from the Father. Western - both from the Father and from the Son. There are other differences between these denominations. However, in any case, both churches are Christian and accept Jesus as the Savior of mankind, whose coming, and therefore Eternal life for the righteous, is inevitable.