My husband is Orthodox and I had been non-denomenational Christian before I met him. I am just rying to figure out what are the major differences there.
2007-01-22 03:40:47 · 5 answers · asked by Cynthia T 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Both the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches trace their beginnings back to the Apostles (through so called Apostolic succession or laying of hands upon newly consecrated bishops). So, you may say that these are the only two Christian Churches that are left in the world today. As you probably know the other Christian denominations are just a bunch of groups of believers with different concepts, different tastes and different doctrines. There are probably more than 10 thousand of them around the world today.
The major difference between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches is in recognition of the Pope of Rome. In essence Roman Catholics recognize Pope as the Head of the Entire Catholic (i.e. Universal) Church. The Orthodox never recognized primacy of the Pope and believed that all bishops are equal in grace.
There are minor differences in rituals and practice, but they are not worth mentioning. If the major obstacle was overcome, the two Churches could unite as they had been before the Great Schism of 1053.
If you'd like read about the Great Schism and you will understand more.
2007-01-22 04:01:03 · answer #1 · answered by Kalistrat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Near as I can tell, Orthodox doesn't have to obey the Pope, and don't have a cult of Mary. It's probably closer than any other to the true Church that Jesus set up. It's a bit traditional, but there's nothing wrong with it theologically.
2007-01-22 11:55:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The split was an early one between Christian cults. It was, in part, a power struggle between the Eastern churches and Rome. The theological turning point was the argument over "filioque" which translates to "and the son". The Roman church said the holy ghost proceeded from the father and the son, the Eastern churches argued that it proceeded from the father.
2007-01-22 11:52:58 · answer #3 · answered by Dave P 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The Pope. Jesus entrusted the care of His flock to Peter (John 21:15-17), but the Orthodox reject his primacy.
2007-01-22 11:54:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The catholic group recognize the poop in the Vatican as the #1 rep.
The ORTHODOX churches have their own poops!
Poop Shinouda The Third of Alexandria is one of the 3(?) other poops, Each the Leader of his own group
ALL OF THES PEOPLE ARE BUT PRETENDERS!
TRUE CHRISTIANS RECOGNIZE THE GOD/JSESUS ONLY AS THE TRUE LEADER! ---No middle men required.
2007-01-22 11:49:02 · answer #5 · answered by whynotaskdon 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋