what's the difference between the orthodox religion and the catholic religion?

Answer 1

Apart from what Michelle has said, the Orthodox celebrate Christmas on January 7th.

And from my personal experience, HATE being mistaken for Catholics.

EDIT: Maybe Russia is an exception then. Christmas is on 7th January, and there is a one-week public holiday from 1st Jan to the 7th.

Answer 2

There are many things which unite us rather than divide us. For example, both are apostolic in origin. There are some differences in doctrine, e.g., the papacy and the devotion to Mary, but the major difference is in the rites. The Catholic Church follows the Latin rite while Orthodox Catholics follow the Byzantine rite.

Answer 3

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

Pope John Paul II said of the 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 4

From the catholic point of view, they are allmost the same.

Orthodox priests do get married. Orthodox do not have statues, instead they have icons. There are a few habbit differences, but the main things are identical



EDIT: To Vot Anarx, yes, they hate to be mistaken for catholics, but they celebrate christmas on 25 december like everyone else :))))

Answer 5

If you're interested, this is a popular forum for Orthodox Christians, you may find more answers here...

http://foru.ms/f145-the-ancient-way-eastern-orthodox.html

Answer 6

The quality of the graven images and carved idols they worship....