What's the differnce between Orthodoxe and Catholics?

Answer 1

Please see this website titled
"WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ORTHODOXY AND ROMAN CATHOLICISM?" By Father Michael Azkoul
It lists the 12 major differences between the Catholics and Orthodoxs (it is too long to copy and paste- but it is an excellent read):
http://www.ocf.org/OrthodoxPage/reading/ortho_cath.html

Many Roman Catholics consider their belief orthodox.
One of the three branches of world Christianity and the major Christian church in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, the Orthodox church, also sometimes called the Eastern church, or the Greek Orthodox, or Orthodox Catholic church, claims to have preserved the original and apostolic Christian faith. Figures for its worldwide membership range from 100 to 200 million, depending on the method of accounting.

Answer 2

The most basic difference is whether or not they accept the authority of the Pope as a "Supreme Pontiff" (i.e. ruler) over the entire church. The Catholics accept this idea. the Orthodox reject this idea.

As a matter of history, generally the parts of the Roman Empire in the west, which spoke Latin, ended up part of the Roman Catholic Church. The parts of the Roman Empire in the East, which spoke Greek, ended up Orthodox.

There are a number of doctrinal differences also -- such as an argument as to the exact relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and about the exact nature of the Virgin Mary (the "Immaculate Conception" is Roman Catholic doctrine, but not Orthodox).

In other ways, the two faith communities are much alike: for example, both place a strong emphasis on the roles of bishops and priests, and the importance of Holy Communion / Eucharist / Mass / Divine Liturgy as the principal act of Christian worship.

Still, the defining difference between Catholic and Orthodox remains the role of the Pope.

I would note that within Catholicism, there is a minority called the "Byzantine Rite" Catholics that follow the liturgy and many of the customs of the Orthodox. But because they accept the role of the Pope as Supreme Pontiff of the church, they are categorized as "Catholic" rather than "Orthodox"

Answer 3

One of the most important is the procession of the Holy Spirit. The Orthodox say that the Holy Spirit procedes from God the Father. Catholics say that the Holy Spirit procedes from the Father and the Son. Catholics argue that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one Person. So if the Holy Spirit procedes from the the Father, She must also procede from the Son. The Orthodox argue that such a thing should be decided by an ecumenical council of the church, which has never met to decide the matter. The important Latin phrase throughout history has been "filioque," which means, "and from the Son."

Other differences: The Orthodox use leavened bread in the Mass. Catholics use unleavened bread. The Orthodox call that "Judaizing."

Answer 4

After the fall of Rome, Christianity divided into two main sects; Roman Catholics in Western Europe and Orthodox in the Eastern countries. Orthodox Christians celebrate the same holidays but often on different dates, for example Easter is much later in the year. There are many other differences in the churches and rituals but it's best to see it for yourself if you need more details.

Answer 5

Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholics separated from one another in 1054. There are very few theological differences. The main difference is that the Eastern Orthodox Churches (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11329a.htm) use the Byzantine Rite (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04312d.htm) and the Roman Catholic Church use the Roman or Latin Rite.

Pope John Paul II said of the Eastern Orthodox Churches in Orientale Lumen, "A particularly close link already binds us. We have almost everything in common." (see http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_02051995_orientale-lumen_en.html)

With love in Christ.

Answer 6

different definitions of Church unity and chief leadership,procession of the Holy Spirit,how Mary is sinless