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Differences in Orthodoxy. Historical roots of schism

Christianity is one of the world religions along with Buddhism and Judaism. Over a thousand-year history, it has undergone changes that led to branches from a single religion. The main ones are Orthodoxy, Protestantism and Catholicism. Christianity also has other movements, but usually they are classified as sectarian and are condemned by representatives of generally recognized movements.

Differences between Orthodoxy and Christianity

What is the difference between these two concepts? It's very simple. All Orthodox are Christians, but not all Christians are Orthodox. Followers, united by the confession of this world religion, are divided by belonging to a separate direction, one of which is Orthodoxy. To understand how Orthodoxy differs from Christianity, you need to turn to the history of the emergence of world religion.

Origins of religions

It is believed that Christianity arose in the 1st century. from the birth of Christ in Palestine, although some sources claim that it became known two centuries earlier. People who preached the faith were waiting for God to come to earth. The doctrine absorbed the foundations of Judaism and philosophical directions At that time, he was greatly influenced by the political situation.

The spread of this religion was greatly facilitated by the preaching of the apostles, especially Paul. Many pagans were converted to new faith, and this process continued for a long time. At the moment, Christianity has the most large number followers compared to other world religions.

Orthodox Christianity began to stand out only in Rome in the 10th century. AD, and was officially approved in 1054. Although its origins can be dated back to the 1st century. from the birth of Christ. Orthodox believe that the history of their religion began immediately after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, when the apostles preached a new creed and attracted everyone to religion more people.

By the 2nd-3rd centuries. Orthodoxy opposed Gnosticism, which rejected the authenticity of history Old Testament and interpreter New Testament in a different way that does not correspond to the generally accepted one. Confrontation was also observed in relations with the followers of the presbyter Arius, who formed a new movement - Arianism. According to their ideas, Christ did not have a divine nature and was only a mediator between God and people.

On the doctrine of the emerging Orthodoxy The Ecumenical Councils had a great influence, supported nearby Byzantine emperors. Seven Councils, convened over five centuries, established the basic axioms subsequently accepted in modern Orthodoxy, in particular, they confirmed the divine origin of Jesus, which was disputed in a number of teachings. This strengthened the Orthodox faith and allowed more and more people to join it.

In addition to Orthodoxy and small heretical teachings, which quickly faded in the process of developing stronger trends, Catholicism emerged from Christianity. This was facilitated by the split of the Roman Empire into Western and Eastern. Huge differences in social, political and religious views led to the collapse of a single religion into the Roman Catholic and Orthodox, which at first was called Eastern Catholic. The head of the first church was the Pope, the second - the patriarch. Their mutual excommunication of each other from the common faith led to a split in Christianity. The process began in 1054 and ended in 1204 with the fall of Constantinople.

Although Christianity was adopted in Rus' back in 988, it was not affected by the schism process. The official division of the church occurred only several decades later, but at the baptism of Rus' they were immediately introduced Orthodox customs , formed in Byzantium and borrowed from there.

Strictly speaking, the term Orthodoxy was practically never found in ancient sources; instead, the word Orthodoxy was used. According to a number of researchers, these concepts were previously given different meaning(orthodoxy meant one of the Christian directions, and Orthodoxy was almost a pagan faith). Subsequently, they began to be given a similar meaning, made synonyms and replaced one with another.

Fundamentals of Orthodoxy

Faith in Orthodoxy is the essence of all divine teaching. The Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, compiled during the convening of the Second Ecumenical Council, is the basis of the doctrine. The ban on changing any provisions in this system of dogmas has been in effect since the Fourth Council.

Based on the Creed, Orthodoxy is based on the following dogmas:

The desire to deserve eternal life in heaven after death is the main goal of professing the religion in question. True Orthodox Christian must throughout his life follow the commandments handed down to Moses and confirmed by Christ. According to them, you need to be kind and merciful, love God and your neighbors. The commandments indicate that all hardships and hardships must be endured resignedly and even joyfully; despondency is one of the deadly sins.

Differences from other Christian denominations

Compare Orthodoxy with Christianity possible by comparing its main directions. They are closely related to each other, since they are united in one world religion. However, there are huge differences between them on a number of issues:

Thus, the differences between the directions are not always contradictory. There are more similarities between Catholicism and Protestantism, since the latter emerged as a result of the schism of the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century. If desired, the currents could be reconciled. But this has not happened for many years and is not expected in the future.

Attitudes towards other religions

Orthodoxy is tolerant of confessors of other religions. However, without condemning and peacefully coexisting with them, this movement recognizes them as heretical. It is believed that of all religions, only one is true; its confession leads to the inheritance of the Kingdom of God. This dogma is contained in the very name of the movement, indicating that this religion is correct and opposite to other movements. Nevertheless, Orthodoxy recognizes that Catholics and Protestants are also not deprived of the grace of God, since, although they glorify Him differently, the essence of their faith is the same.

By comparison, Catholics consider the only possibility of salvation to be the practice of their religion, while others, including Orthodoxy, are false. The task of this church is to convince all dissenters. The Pope is the head of the Christian church, although this thesis is refuted in Orthodoxy.

Support Orthodox Church secular authorities and their close cooperation led to an increase in the number of followers of the religion and its development. In a number of countries, Orthodoxy is practiced by the majority of the population. These include:

A large number of temples are being built in these countries, Sunday schools, in secular educational institutions Subjects dedicated to the study of Orthodoxy are introduced. Popularization has reverse side: Often people who consider themselves Orthodox have a superficial attitude towards performing rituals and do not comply with the prescribed moral principles.

You can perform rituals and treat shrines differently, have different views on the purpose of your own stay on earth, but ultimately, everyone who professes Christianity, united by faith in one God. The concept of Christianity is not identical to Orthodoxy, but includes it. Maintain moral principles and be sincere in your relationships with By Higher Powers- the basis of any religion.

In the CIS countries, most people are familiar with Orthodoxy, but know little about other Christian denominations and non-Christian religions. Therefore the question is: “ How does the Catholic Church differ from the Orthodox Church?“or, more simply, “the difference between Catholicism and Orthodoxy” - Catholics are asked very often. Let's try to answer it.

First of all, Catholics are also Christians. Christianity is divided into three main directions: Catholicism, Orthodoxy and Protestantism. But there is no single Protestant Church(there are several thousand Protestant denominations in the world), and the Orthodox Church includes several Churches independent from each other.

Besides the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), there is the Georgian Orthodox Church, Serbian Orthodox Church, Greek Orthodox Church, Romanian Orthodox Church, etc. The Orthodox Churches are governed by patriarchs, metropolitans and archbishops. Not all Orthodox Churches have communion with each other in prayers and sacraments (which is necessary for individual Churches to be part of the one Ecumenical Church according to the catechism of Metropolitan Philaret) and recognize each other as true churches.

Even in Russia itself there are several Orthodox Churches (the Russian Orthodox Church itself, the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, etc.). It follows from this that world orthodoxy does not have a single leadership. But the Orthodox believe that the unity of the Orthodox Church is manifested in a single doctrine and in mutual communication in the sacraments.

Catholicism is one Universal Church. All its parts are different countries the world are in communion with each other, share the same creed and recognize the Pope as their head. In the Catholic Church there is a division into rites (communities within the Catholic Church, differing from each other in forms of liturgical worship and church discipline): Roman, Byzantine, etc. Therefore, there are Catholics of the Roman rite, Catholics of the Byzantine rite, etc., but they are all members of the same Church.

Now we can talk about the differences:

1) So, the first difference between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches is in different understandings of the unity of the Church. For the Orthodox it is enough to share one faith and sacraments; Catholics, in addition to this, see the need for a single head of the Church - the Pope;

2) The Catholic Church differs from the Orthodox Church in its understanding of universality or catholicity. The Orthodox claim that the Universal Church is “embodied” in each local Church, headed by a bishop. Catholics add that this local Church must have communion with the local Roman Catholic Church in order to belong to the Universal Church.

3) The Catholic Church in that The Holy Spirit comes from the Father and the Son (“filioque”). The Orthodox Church confesses the Holy Spirit emanating only from the Father. Some Orthodox saints spoke about the procession of the Spirit from the Father through the Son, which does not contradict Catholic dogma.

4) The Catholic Church confesses that the sacrament of marriage is for life and prohibits divorce, Orthodox Church in in some cases allows divorces;

5)The Catholic Church proclaimed the dogma of purgatory. This is the state of souls after death, destined for heaven, but not yet ready for it. IN Orthodox teaching there is no purgatory (although there is something similar - ordeal). But the prayers of the Orthodox for the dead assume that there are souls in an intermediate state for whom there is still hope of going to heaven after the Last Judgment;

6) The Catholic Church accepted the dogma of Immaculate Conception Virgin Mary. This means that even original sin did not touch the Mother of the Savior. Orthodox Christians glorify the holiness of the Mother of God, but believe that she was born with original sin, like all people;

7)Catholic dogma of Mary's assumption to heaven body and soul is a logical continuation of the previous dogma. The Orthodox also believe that Mary resides in Heaven in body and soul, but this is not dogmatically enshrined in Orthodox teaching.

8) The Catholic Church accepted the dogma of the primacy of the Pope over the entire Church in matters of faith and morals, discipline and government. The Orthodox do not recognize the primacy of the Pope;

9) In the Orthodox Church one rite predominates. In the Catholic Church this a ritual that originated in Byzantium is called Byzantine and is one of several.

In Russia, the Roman (Latin) rite of the Catholic Church is better known. Therefore, the differences between the liturgical practice and church discipline of the Byzantine and Roman rites of the Catholic Church are often mistaken for differences between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church. But if the Orthodox liturgy is very different from the Roman rite mass, then the Catholic liturgy of the Byzantine rite is very similar. And the presence of married priests in the Russian Orthodox Church is also not a difference, since they are also in the Byzantine rite of the Catholic Church;

10) The Catholic Church proclaimed the dogma of the infallibility of the Pope o in matters of faith and morals in those cases where he, in agreement with all the bishops, affirms what the Catholic Church has already believed for many centuries. Orthodox believers believe that only decisions are infallible Ecumenical Councils;

11) The Orthodox Church accepts the decisions of only the first seven Ecumenical Councils, while The Catholic Church is guided by the decisions of the 21st Ecumenical Council, the last of which was the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965).

It should be noted that the Catholic Church recognizes that local Orthodox Churches - true Churches , preserving apostolic succession and true sacraments. Both Catholics and Orthodox Christians have the same Creed.

Despite their differences, Catholics and Orthodox Christians throughout the world profess one faith and one teaching of Jesus Christ. Once upon a time, human mistakes and prejudices separated us, but still faith in one God unites us.

Jesus prayed for the unity of His disciples. His disciples are all of us, both Catholics and Orthodox. Let us join in His prayer: “That they all may be one, just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:21). The unbelieving world needs our common witness for Christ.

Video lectures on the Dogmas of the Catholic Church

The difference between the Catholic and Orthodox churches lies primarily in the recognition of the infallibility and primacy of the Pope. The disciples and followers of Jesus Christ after His Resurrection and Ascension began to call themselves Christians. This is how Christianity arose, which gradually spread to the west and east.

History of the schism of the Christian church

As a result of reformist views over the course of 2000 years, different currents Christianity:

  • Orthodoxy;
  • Catholicism;
  • Protestantism, which arose as an offshoot of the Catholic faith.

Each religion subsequently splits into new denominations.

In Orthodoxy, Greek, Russian, Georgian, Serbian, Ukrainian and other patriarchates arise, which have their own branches. Catholics are divided into Roman and Greek Catholics. It is difficult to list all the denominations in Protestantism.

All these religions are united by one root - Christ and faith in the Holy Trinity.

Read about other religions:

Holy Trinity

The Roman Church was founded by the Apostle Peter, who spent time in Rome last days. Even then, the church was headed by the Pope, translated as “Our Father.” At that time, few priests were ready to take on the leadership of Christianity due to fear of persecution.

The Eastern Rite of Christianity was led by the four oldest Churches:

  • Constantinople, whose patriarch headed the eastern branch;
  • Alexandria;
  • Jerusalem, whose first patriarch was Jesus’ earthly brother James;
  • Antioch.

Thanks to the educational mission of the Eastern priesthood, Christians from Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania joined them in the 4th-5th centuries. Subsequently, these countries declared themselves autocephalous, independent of the Orthodox movement.

Purely on human level The newly formed churches began to develop their own visions of development, and rivalries arose, which intensified after Constantine the Great named Constantinople the capital of the empire in the fourth century.

After the fall of the power of Rome, all supremacy passed to the Patriarch of Constantinople, which caused discontent with the Western rite, headed by the Pope.

Western Christians justified their right to supremacy by the fact that it was in Rome that the Apostle Peter lived and was executed, to whom the Savior handed the keys to heaven.

Saint Peter

Filioque

The differences between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church also concern the filioque, the doctrine of the procession of the Holy Spirit, which became the root cause of the schism of the united Christian Church.

Christian theologians more than a thousand years ago did not come to a common conclusion about the procession of the Holy Spirit. The question is who sends the Spirit - God the Father or God the Son.

The Apostle John conveys (John 15:26) that Jesus will send the Comforter in the form of the Spirit of truth, proceeding from God the Father. In his letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul directly confirms the procession of the Spirit from Jesus, who blows the Holy Spirit into the hearts of Christians.

According to the Nicene formula, belief in the Holy Spirit sounds like an appeal to one of the hypostases of the Holy Trinity.

The Fathers of the Second Ecumenical Council expanded this appeal: “I believe in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the Lord who gives life, who proceeds from the Father,” while emphasizing the role of the Son, which was not accepted by the priests of Constantinople.

Naming Photius Ecumenical Patriarch was perceived by the Roman rite as a derogation of their importance. Eastern admirers pointed out the ugliness of Western priests who shaved their beards and observed fasts on Saturday; at this time they themselves began to surround themselves with special luxury.

All these differences gathered drop by drop to be expressed in a huge explosion of schema.

The patriarchy, led by Nicetas Stiphatus, openly calls the Latins heretics. The final straw that led to the break was the humiliation of the legate delegation at the 1054 negotiations in Constantinople.

Interesting! Not found general concept In matters of government, the priests were divided into the Orthodox and Catholic Churches. Initially, Christian churches were called orthodox. After the partition, the Eastern Christian movement retained the name orthodoxy or orthodoxy, and western direction came to be called Catholicism or the universal Church.

Differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism

  1. In recognition of the infallibility and primacy of the Pope and in relation to the filioque.
  2. Orthodox canons deny purgatory, where the sinner is not very grave sin the soul is cleansed and goes to heaven. In Orthodoxy there are no major or minor sins, sin is sin, and it can only be cleansed by the Sacrament of Confession during the life of the sinner.
  3. Catholics came up with indulgences that give a “pass” to Heaven for good deeds, but the Bible writes that salvation is grace from God, and without true faith alone good deeds you can't earn a place in heaven. (Eph. 8:2-9)

Orthodoxy and Catholicism: similarities and differences

Differences in rituals


The two religions differ in the calendar for calculating services. Catholics live according to Gregorian calendar, Orthodox - Julian. According to the Gregorian calendar, Jewish and Orthodox Easter may coincide that is prohibited. By Julian calendar The Russian, Georgian, Ukrainian, Serbian and Jerusalem Orthodox Churches conduct services.

There are also differences when writing icons. In the Orthodox service it is a two-dimensional image; Catholicism practices naturalistic dimensions.

Eastern Christians have the opportunity to get a divorce and get married a second time; in the Western rite, divorce is prohibited.

The Byzantine rite of Lent begins on Monday, and the Latin rite begins on Wednesday.

Orthodox Christians make the sign of the cross on themselves from right to left, folding their fingers in a certain way, while Catholics do it the other way around, without focusing on the hands.

The interpretation of this action is interesting. Both religions agree that a demon sits on the left shoulder and an angel on the right.

Important! Catholics explain the direction of baptism by the fact that when the cross is applied, cleansing from sin to salvation occurs. According to Orthodoxy, at baptism a Christian proclaims the victory of God over the devil.

How do Christians who were once in unity relate to each other? Orthodoxy does not have liturgical communion or joint prayers with Catholics.

Orthodox churches do not rule over secular authorities; Catholicism affirms the supremacy of God and the subordination of authorities to the Pope.

According to the Latin rite, any sin offends God; Orthodoxy claims that God cannot be offended. He is not mortal; by sin a person harms only himself.

Daily life: rituals and services


Sayings of Saints on Separation and Unity

There are many differences between Christians of both rites, but the main thing that unites them is the Holy Blood of Jesus Christ, faith in One God and the Holy Trinity.

Saint Luke of Crimea rather sharply condemned the negative attitude towards Catholics, while separating the Vatican, the Pope and the cardinals from ordinary people who have true, saving faith.

Saint Philaret of Moscow compared the division between Christians to partitions, emphasizing that they cannot reach heaven. According to Filaret, Christians cannot be called heretics if they believe in Jesus as the Savior. The saint constantly prayed for the unification of everyone. He recognized Orthodoxy as a true teaching, but pointed out that God also accepts other Christian movements with patience.

Saint Mark of Ephesus calls Catholics heretics, since they have deviated from the true faith, and called on such people not to be converted.

Venerable Ambrose of Optina also condemns the Latin rite for violating the decrees of the apostles.

Righteous John of Kronstadt claims that Catholics, along with reformers, Protestants and Lutherans, fell away from Christ, based on the words of the Gospel. (Matthew 12:30)

How to measure the amount of faith of a particular ritual, the truth of accepting God the Father and walking under the power of the Holy Spirit in love for God the Son, Jesus Christ? God will show all this in the future.

Video about what is the difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism? Andrey Kuraev

Catholicism is part of Christianity, and Christianity itself is one of the main religions of the world. Its directions include: Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Protestantism, with many types and branches. Most often, people want to understand what is the difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, how does one differ from the other? Do such similar religions and churches that have the same root as Catholicism and Orthodoxy really have serious differences? Catholicism in Russia and others Slavic states much less widespread than in the West. Catholicism (translated from Greek “katolykos” - “universal”) is a religious movement that accounts for about 15% of the population of the entire globe (that is, about a billion people profess Catholicism). Of the three respected Christian denominations (Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Protestantism), Catholicism is rightfully considered the largest branch. Most adherents of this religious movement live in Europe, Africa, and also in Latin America and the USA. The religious movement arose in the first century AD - at the dawn of Christianity, during times of persecution and religious disputes. Now, 2 thousand years later, the Catholic Church has taken an honorable place among the world's religious denominations. Establish a connection with God!

Christianity and Catholicism. Story

In the first thousand years of Christianity, the word “Catholicism” did not exist, simply because there were no directions of Christianity, the faith was united. The history of Catholicism began in the Western Roman Empire, where in 1054 the Christian Church was divided into two main directions: Catholicism and Orthodoxy. Constantinople became the heart of Orthodoxy, and Rome was declared the center of Catholicism; the reason for this division was the split between Orthodoxy and Catholicism.
Since then religious movement began to actively spread to the countries of Europe and America. Despite the subsequent multiple splits of Catholicism (for example, Catholicism and Protestantism, Anglicanism, Baptistism, etc.), it has grown into one of the largest denominations of the present time.
In the XI-XIII centuries, Catholicism in Europe gained great power. Religious thinkers of the Middle Ages believed that God created the world, and it is unchanging, harmonious, and reasonable.
In the XVI-XVII years the Catholic Church collapsed, during which a new religious direction appeared - Protestantism. What is the difference between Protestantism and Catholicism? First of all, in the organizational issue of the church and in the authority of the Pope.
The clergy belonged to the most important class in connection with the mediation of the church between God and people. The religion of Catholicism insisted on fulfilling the commandments of the Bible. The Church considered an ascetic as a role model - a holy man who renounced worldly goods and riches, which degrade the state of the soul. Contempt for earthly riches was replaced by heavenly riches.
The church considered supporting low-income people a virtue. Kings, nobles close to them, merchants and even poor people tried to participate in charitable acts as often as possible. At that time, a title appeared for special churches in Catholicism, which is assigned by the Pope.
Social doctrine
Catholic teaching was based not only on religious, but also on humanistic ideas. It was based on Augustinianism, and later Thomism, accompanied by personalism and solidarism. The philosophy of the teaching was that in addition to the soul and body, God gave people equal rights and freedoms that remain with a person throughout his life. Sociological as well as theological knowledge has helped to build a developed social doctrine of the Catholic Church, which believes that its teachings were created by the apostles and still retain their original origins.
There are several doctrinal issues on which the Catholic Church has a distinctive position. The reason for this was the split of Christianity into Orthodoxy and Catholicism.
Devotion to the mother of Christ, the Virgin Mary, who Catholics believe gave birth to Jesus outside of sin and her soul and body were taken to heaven where she holds a special place between God and His people.
The unshakable belief that when the priest repeats the words of Christ from the Last Supper, the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus, although no outward change occurs.
Catholic teaching has a negative attitude towards artificial methods of contraception, which, according to the church, interfere with the birth of a new life.
Recognizing abortion as destruction human life, which, according to the Catholic Church, begins at the moment of conception.

Control
The idea of ​​Catholicism is closely associated with the apostles, especially the Apostle Peter. Saint Peter is considered the first pope, and each subsequent pope is considered his spiritual successor. This gives the church leader strong spiritual authority and authority in resolving disputes that could disrupt governance. The concept that church leadership represented a continuation of an unbroken line from the apostles and their teachings ("apostolic succession") contributed to the survival of Christianity during times of trial, persecution, and reformation.
The advisory bodies are:
Synod of Bishops;
College of Cardinals.
The main differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism in the bodies of church government. The hierarchy of the Catholic Church consists of its bishops, priests and deacons. In the Catholic Church, authority rests primarily with the bishops, with priests and deacons serving as their collaborators and assistants.
All clergy, including deacons, priests, and bishops, can preach, teach, baptize, perform holy matrimony, and conduct funerals.
Only priests and bishops can administer the sacraments of the Eucharist (although others may be ministers of Holy Communion), Penance (Reconciliation, Confession) and Blessing of Anointing.
Only bishops can administer the sacrament of the Priesthood, through which people become priests or deacons.
Catholicism: Churches and their meaning in religion
The Church is considered the "body of Jesus Christ." Scripture says that Christ chose 12 apostles to God's temple, however, it is the Apostle Peter who is considered the first bishop. In order to become a full member of the Catholic Church Society, it is necessary to preach Christianity or undergo the sacred sacrament of baptism.

Catholicism: the essence of the 7 sacraments
The liturgical life of the Catholic Church revolves around 7 sacraments:
baptism;
anointing (confirmation);
Eucharist (communion);
repentance (confession);
consecration of oil (unction);
marriage;
priesthood.
The purpose of the sacraments of the faith of Catholicism is to bring people closer to God, to feel grace, to feel unity with Jesus Christ.
1. Baptism
The first and main sacrament. Cleanses the soul from sins, gives grace. For Catholics, the sacrament of Baptism is the first step in their spiritual journey.
2. Confirmation (confirmation)
In the rite of the Catholic Church, Confirmation is allowed only after 13-14 years of age. It is believed that from this age a person will be able to become a full member of church society. Confirmation is given through the anointing with Holy Chrism and the laying on of hands.
3. Eucharist (Communion)
Sacrament in memory of the death and resurrection of the Lord. The incarnation of Christ's flesh and blood is presented to believers through the partaking of wine and bread during worship.
4. Repentance
Through repentance, believers free their souls, receive forgiveness for their sins, and become closer to God and to the church. Confession or disclosure of sins frees the soul and facilitates our reconciliation with others. In this sacred sacrament, Catholics find God's unconditional forgiveness and learn to forgive others.
5. Blessing of Anointing
Through the sacrament of anointing with oil (sacred oil), Christ heals believers who suffer from illness, giving them support and grace. Jesus showed great concern for the physical and spiritual well-being of the sick and commanded his followers to do the same. The celebration of this sacrament is an opportunity to deepen the faith of the community.
6. Marriage
The sacrament of marriage is to some extent a comparison of the union of Christ and the church. The marriage union is sanctified by God, filled with grace and joy, blessed for the future family life, raising children. Such a marriage is inviolable and ends only after the death of one of the spouses.
7. Priesthood
The sacrament by which bishops, priests and deacons are ordained and receive power and grace to perform their sacred duties. The ceremony by which orders are assigned is called ordination. The apostles were ordained by Jesus at the Last Supper so that others could share in his priesthood.
The difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism and Protestantism and their similarities
Catholic beliefs do not really differ significantly from the other main branches of Christianity, Greek Orthodoxy and Protestantism. All three main branches adhere to the doctrine of the Trinity, the deity of Jesus Christ, the inspiration of the Bible, and so on. But regarding some doctrinal points, there are some differences. Catholicism differs in several beliefs, which include the special authority of the pope, the concept of purgatory, and the doctrine that the bread that is used in the Eucharist becomes the true body of Christ during the blessing of the priest.

Catholicism and Orthodoxy: differences

Being types of one religion, Catholicism and Orthodoxy for a long time did not find common language, namely from the 13th century to the mid-20th century. Due to this fact, these two religions have received many differences. How is Orthodoxy different from Catholicism?

The first difference in Catholicism can be found in the structure of the organization of churches. Thus, in Orthodoxy there are many churches, separate and independent of each other: Russian, Georgian, Romanian, Greek, Serbian, etc. Catholic churches located in different countries around the world have a single mechanism and obey one ruler - the Pope.

It should also be noted that the Orthodox Church does not accept changes, believing that it is necessary to follow all the canons and honor all the knowledge that was transmitted by Jesus Christ to his apostles. That is, Orthodox Christians in the 21st century observe the same rules and customs as Orthodox Christians in the 15th, 10th, 5th and 1st centuries.

Another difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism is that in Orthodox Christianity the main worship service is Divine Liturgy, in Catholicism - the Mass. Parishioners of the Orthodox Church conduct services while standing, while Catholics often sit, but there are services that they conduct while kneeling. The Orthodox attribute the symbol of faith and holiness only to the Father, Catholics - to both the Father and the son.

Catholicism is also distinguished by its knowledge of life after death. IN Orthodox faith There is no such thing as purgatory, unlike Catholicism, although such an intermediate stay of the soul after leaving the body and before entering God’s judgment is not denied.

The Orthodox call the Mother of God the Mother of God and consider her to be born in sin, like ordinary people. Catholics refer to her as the Virgin Mary, conceived immaculately and ascended to heaven in human form. On Orthodox icons, the saints are depicted two-dimensionally to convey the presence of another dimension - the world of spirits. Catholic icons have an ordinary, simple perspective and the saints are depicted naturalistically.

Another difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism is the shape and appearance of the cross. For Catholics, it is presented in the form of two crossbars; it can be either with or without the image of Jesus Christ. If Jesus is present on the cross, then he is depicted with a martyr's appearance and his legs are chained to the cross with one nail. U orthodox cross of four crossbars: to the two main ones, a small horizontal crossbar is added at the top and at the bottom at an angle, symbolizing the direction to heaven and hell.

The Catholic faith also differs in the remembrance of the dead. Orthodox commemorate on days 3, 9 and 40, Catholics on days 3, 7 and 30. Also in Catholicism there is a special day of the year - November 1, when all the dead are commemorated. In many countries this day is a day off.
Another difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism is that, unlike their counterparts in the Protestant and Orthodox churches, Catholic priests take vows of celibacy. This practice has its roots in the early connections of the papacy with monasticism. There are several Catholic monastic orders, the most famous being the Jesuits, Dominicans and Augustinians. Catholic monks and nuns take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, and devote themselves to a simple life focused on the worship of God.

And finally, we can highlight the process of the sign of the cross. In the Orthodox Church they cross with three fingers and from right to left. Catholics, on the contrary, from left to right, the number of fingers does not matter.

The final division of the United Christian Church on Orthodoxy and Catholicism occurred in 1054. However, both the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches consider themselves only “one holy, catholic (conciliar) and apostolic Church.”

First of all, Catholics are also Christians. Christianity is divided into three main directions: Catholicism, Orthodoxy and Protestantism. But there is no single Protestant Church (there are several thousand Protestant denominations in the world), and the Orthodox Church includes several Churches independent of each other.

Besides the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), there is the Georgian Orthodox Church, Serbian Orthodox Church, Greek Orthodox Church, Romanian Orthodox Church, etc.

The Orthodox Churches are governed by patriarchs, metropolitans and archbishops. Not all Orthodox Churches have communion with each other in prayers and sacraments (which is necessary for individual Churches to be part of the one Ecumenical Church according to the catechism of Metropolitan Philaret) and recognize each other as true churches.

Even in Russia itself there are several Orthodox Churches (the Russian Orthodox Church itself, the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, etc.). It follows from this that world Orthodoxy does not have a single leadership. But the Orthodox believe that the unity of the Orthodox Church is manifested in a single doctrine and in mutual communication in the sacraments.

Catholicism is one Universal Church. All its parts in different countries of the world are in communication with each other, share a single creed and recognize the Pope as their head. In the Catholic Church there is a division into rites (communities within the Catholic Church, differing from each other in forms of liturgical worship and church discipline): Roman, Byzantine, etc. Therefore, there are Catholics of the Roman rite, Catholics of the Byzantine rite, etc., but they are all members of the same Church.

The main differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism:

1. So, the first difference between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches is the different understanding of the unity of the Church. For the Orthodox it is enough to share one faith and sacraments; Catholics, in addition to this, see the need for a single head of the Church - the Pope;

2. The Catholic Church confesses in the Creed that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son (“filioque”). The Orthodox Church confesses the Holy Spirit emanating only from the Father. Some Orthodox saints spoke about the procession of the Spirit from the Father through the Son, which does not contradict Catholic dogma.

3. The Catholic Church professes that the sacrament of marriage is for life and prohibits divorce, while the Orthodox Church allows divorce in some cases.
An angel frees souls in purgatory, Lodovico Carracci

4. The Catholic Church proclaimed the dogma of purgatory. This is the state of souls after death, destined for heaven, but not yet ready for it. There is no purgatory in Orthodox teaching (although there is something similar - ordeal). But the prayers of the Orthodox for the dead assume that there are souls in an intermediate state for whom there is still hope of going to heaven after the Last Judgment;

5. The Catholic Church accepted the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. This means that even original sin did not touch the Mother of the Savior. Orthodox Christians glorify the holiness of the Mother of God, but believe that she was born with original sin, like all people;

6. The Catholic dogma of Mary's assumption to heaven body and soul is a logical continuation of the previous dogma. The Orthodox also believe that Mary resides in Heaven in body and soul, but this is not dogmatically enshrined in Orthodox teaching.

7. The Catholic Church has accepted the dogma of the primacy of the Pope over the entire Church in matters of faith and morals, discipline and government. The Orthodox do not recognize the primacy of the Pope;

8. The Catholic Church has proclaimed the dogma that the Pope is infallible in matters of faith and morals when he, in agreement with all the bishops, affirms what the Catholic Church has already believed for many centuries. Orthodox believers believe that only the decisions of the Ecumenical Councils are infallible;

Pope Pius V

9. Orthodox Christians cross themselves from right to left, and Catholics from left to right.

Catholics were for a long time allowed to be baptized in either of these two ways, until in 1570 Pope Pius V ordered them to do so from left to right and no other way. With such a movement of the hand, the sign of the cross, according to Christian symbolism, is considered to come from a person who turns to God. And when the hand moves from right to left, it comes from God, who blesses a person. It is no coincidence that both Orthodox and Catholic priests cross those around them from left to right (looking from themselves). For the one standing opposite the priest, it is like a blessing gesture from right to left. In addition, moving the hand from left to right means moving from sin to salvation, since left side in Christianity it is associated with the devil, and the right one is associated with the divine. And when sign of the cross moving the hand from right to left is interpreted as the victory of the divine over the devilish.

10. In Orthodoxy there are two points of view regarding Catholics:

The first considers Catholics to be heretics who distorted the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed (by adding (Latin filioque). The second considers Catholics to be schismatics (schismatics) who broke away from the United Council Apostolic Church.

Catholics, in turn, consider the Orthodox to be schismatics who have broken away from the One, Universal and Apostolic Church, but do not consider them heretics. The Catholic Church recognizes that local Orthodox Churches are true Churches that have preserved apostolic succession and true sacraments.

11. In the Latin rite, it is common to perform baptism by sprinkling rather than immersion. The baptismal formula is slightly different.

12. In the Western rite, confessionals are widespread for the sacrament of confession - a place set aside for confession, usually special booths - confessionals, usually wooden, where the penitent knelt on a low bench to the side of the priest, seated behind a partition with a lattice window. In Orthodoxy, the confessor and confessor stand in front of the lectern with the Gospel and the Crucifix in front of the rest of the parishioners, but at some distance from them.

Confessionals or confessionals

The confessor and the confessor stand in front of the lectern with the Gospel and the Crucifix

13. In the Eastern rite, children begin to receive communion from infancy; in the Western rite, first communion is given only at the age of 7-8 years.

14. In the Latin rite, a priest cannot be married (except for rare, specially specified cases) and is required to take a vow of celibacy before ordination; in the Eastern rite (for both Orthodox and Greek Catholics), celibacy is required only for bishops.

15. Lent in the Latin rite it begins on Ash Wednesday, and in the Byzantine rite it begins on Clean Monday.

16. In the Western ritual, prolonged kneeling is customary, in the Eastern - prostrations, in connection with which benches with shelves for kneeling appear in Latin churches (believers sit only during Old Testament and Apostolic readings, sermons, offers), and for the Eastern rite it is important that there is sufficient space in front of the worshiper for bowing to the ground.

17. The Orthodox clergy mostly wears a beard. Catholic clergy are generally beardless.

18. In Orthodoxy, the deceased are especially remembered on the 3rd, 9th and 40th day after death (the first day is the day of death itself), in Catholicism - on the 3rd, 7th and 30th day.

19. One of the aspects of sin in Catholicism is considered to be an insult to God. According to Orthodox view, since God is dispassionate, simple and unchanging, it is impossible to offend God; by sins we harm only ourselves (he who commits sin is a slave of sin).

20. Orthodox and Catholics recognize the rights of secular authorities. In Orthodoxy there is the concept of a symphony of spiritual and secular authorities. In Catholicism, there is a concept of the supremacy of church power over secular power. According to the social doctrine of the Catholic Church, the state comes from God and therefore must be obeyed. The right to disobey authorities is also recognized Catholic Church, but with significant reservations. In the Basics social concept The Russian Orthodox Church also recognizes the right to disobedience if the government forces apostasy from Christianity or sinful acts. On April 5, 2015, Patriarch Kirill, in his sermon on the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem, noted:

“... They often expect from the Church the same thing that the ancient Jews expected from the Savior. The Church should help people, supposedly, solve their political problems, be... a kind of leader in achieving these human victories... I remember the difficult 90s, when the Church was required to lead the political process. Addressing the Patriarch or one of the hierarchs, they said: “Nominate your candidacies for the post of President! Lead the people to political victories!” And the Church said: “Never!” Because our business is completely different... The Church serves those goals that give people the fullness of life both here on earth and in eternity. Therefore, when the Church begins to serve political interests, ideological fashions and predilections of this age,... she descends from that meek young donkey on which the Savior rode..."

21. In Catholicism, there is a doctrine of indulgences (release from temporary punishment for sins for which the sinner has already repented, and the guilt for which has already been forgiven in the sacrament of confession). There is no such practice in modern Orthodoxy, although previously “letters of permission,” an analogue of indulgences in Orthodoxy, existed in the Orthodox Church of Constantinople during the period of Ottoman occupation.

22. In the Catholic West, the prevailing belief is that Mary Magdalene is the woman who anointed the feet of Jesus in the house of Simon the Pharisee. The Orthodox Church categorically disagrees with this identification.


appearance of the risen christ to mary magdalene

23. Catholics are hell-bent on opposing contraception of any kind, which seems especially pertinent during the AIDS pandemic. And Orthodoxy recognizes the possibility of using some contraception that do not have an abortifacient effect, for example, condoms and female caps. Of course, legally married.

24. Grace of God. Catholicism teaches that Grace is created by God for people. Orthodoxy believes that Grace is uncreated, pre-eternal and affects not only people, but also all creation. According to Orthodoxy, Mercy is a mystical attribute and the Power of God.

25. Orthodox Christians use leavened bread for communion. Catholics are bland. At communion, the Orthodox receive bread, red wine (the body and blood of Christ) and warm water (“warmth” is a symbol of the Holy Spirit), Catholics receive only bread and white wine (the laity receive only bread).

Despite their differences, Catholics and Orthodox Christians profess and preach throughout the world one faith and one teaching of Jesus Christ. Once upon a time, human mistakes and prejudices separated us, but still faith in one God unites us. Jesus prayed for the unity of His disciples. His students are both Catholics and Orthodox.