The difference between Orthodoxy and Catholics. Orthodoxy and Catholicism: attitudes and opinions about religion, the main differences from the Orthodox Church

Catholics and Orthodox - what's the difference? Differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism? This article answers these questions briefly in simple words.

Catholics belong to one of the 3 main denominations of Christianity. There are three Christian denominations in the world: Orthodoxy, Catholicism and Protestantism. The youngest is Protestantism, which arose in the 16th century as a result of Martin Luther's attempt to reform the Catholic Church.

Why and when did Christianity split into Catholicism and Orthodoxy?

The division of the Catholic and Orthodox churches occurred in 1054, when Pope Leo IX drew up an act of excommunication of the Patriarch of Constantinople and the entire Eastern Church. Patriarch Michael convened a council, at which he was excommunicated from the Church and the commemoration of popes in the Eastern churches was stopped.

The main reasons for the division of the church into Catholic and Orthodox:

• different languages ​​of worship ( Greek in the eastern and Latin in the western church)
• dogmatic, ritual differences between eastern(Constantinople) and western(Rome)churches ,
• the Pope's desire to become first, dominant among 4 equal Christian patriarchs (Rome, Constantinople, Antioch, Jerusalem).

IN 1965 Head of the Orthodox Church of Constantinople Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras and Pope Paul VI canceled mutual anathemas and signed Joint Declaration. However, many contradictions between the two churches have unfortunately not yet been overcome.

In the article you will find the main differences in the dogmas and beliefs of the 2 Christian churches - Catholic and Christian. But it is important to understand that all Christians: Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox, are in no way “enemies” of each other, but, on the contrary, brothers and sisters in Christ.

Dogmas of the Catholic Church. Differences between Catholicism and Orthodoxy

These are the main dogmas of the Catholic Church, which differ from the Orthodox understanding of the Gospel truth.

• Filioque - dogma about the Holy Spirit. Claims that He comes from both God the Son and God the Father.
• Celibacy is the dogma of celibacy for all clergy, not just monks.
• For Catholics, Sacred Tradition includes only decisions made after the 7 Ecumenical Councils, as well as Papal Epistles.
• Purgatory is the dogma that between hell and heaven there is an intermediate place (purgatory) where atonement for sins is possible.
• Dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary and her bodily ascension.
• The dogma of the communion of the clergy with the Body and Blood of Christ, and the laity - only with the Body of Christ.

Dogmas of the Orthodox Church. Differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism

• Orthodox Christians, unlike Catholics, believe that the Holy Spirit comes only from God the Father. This is stated in the Creed.
• In Orthodoxy, celibacy is observed only by monks; the rest of the clergy marry.
• For the Orthodox, the Holy Tradition is the ancient oral tradition, the decrees of the first 7 Ecumenical Councils.
• There is no dogma of purgatory in Orthodox Christianity.
• In Orthodox Christianity there is no teaching about the overabundance of good deeds of the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, and the apostles (“treasury of grace”), which allows one to “draw” salvation from this treasury. This teaching allowed the emergence of indulgences * , which became a stumbling block between Protestants and Catholics. Indulgences deeply angered Martin Luther. He did not want to create a new denomination, he wanted to reform Catholicism.
• Laity and clergy in Orthodoxy Communicate with the Body and Blood of Christ: “Take, eat: this is My Body, and drink of it, all of you: this is My Blood.”

Other useful articles: ? ?

Who are Catholics and in what countries do they live?

The largest numbers of Catholics live in Mexico (about 91% of the population), Brazil (74% of the population), the United States (22% of the population) and Europe (ranging from 94% of the population in Spain to 0.41% in Greece).

You can see what percentage of the population in all countries professes Catholicism in the table on Wikipedia: Catholicism by country >>>

There are more than a billion Catholics in the world. The head of the Catholic Church is the Pope (in Orthodoxy - the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople). There is a popular belief about the total infallibility of the Pope, but this is not true. In Catholicism, only the doctrinal decisions and statements of the Pope are considered infallible. The Catholic Church is now led by Pope Francis. He was elected on March 13, 2013.

Both Orthodox and Catholics are Christians!

Christ teaches us love for absolutely all people. And even more so, to our brothers in faith. Therefore, there is no need to argue about which faith is more correct, but it is better to show your neighbors, helping those in need, a virtuous life, forgiveness, non-judgment, meekness, mercy and love for neighbors.

I hope the article " Catholics and Orthodox - what's the difference? was useful for you and now you know what the main differences between Catholicism and Orthodoxy are, what is the difference between Catholics and Orthodox.

I wish everyone to notice the good in life, enjoy everything, even bread and rain, and thank God for everything!

I am sharing with you a useful video WHAT THE MOVIE “AREAS OF DARKNESS” TAUGHT ME:

The table “Comparison of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches” will help to better understand the fundamental differences when studying the history of the Middle Ages in the 6th grade, and can also be used as a review in high school.

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“Table “Comparison of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches””

Table. Catholic and Orthodox Church

	Catholic Church	Orthodox Church
Name	Roman Catholic	Greek Orthodox Eastern Catholic
	Pope (Pontiff)	Patriarch of Constantinople
		Constantinople
Relation to Our Lady
Images in temples	Sculptures and frescoes
Music in the temple	Use of the organ
Language of worship

Table. Catholic and Orthodox Church.

How many mistakes were made? What mistakes were made?

	Catholic Church	Orthodox Church
Name	Roman Catholic	Greek Orthodox Eastern Catholic
	Pope (Pontiff)	Patriarch of Constantinople
		Constantinople
	Believes that the Holy Spirit comes only from the Father through the Son.	Believes that the Holy Spirit comes from both the Father and the Son (filioque; lat. filioque - “and from the Son”). Eastern Rite Catholics have a different opinion on this issue.
Relation to Our Lady	The embodiment of Beauty, Wisdom, Truth, Youth, happy motherhood	Queen of Heaven, patroness and comforter
Images in temples	Sculptures and frescoes
Music in the temple		Use of the organ
	Seven sacraments are accepted: baptism, confirmation, repentance, Eucharist, marriage, priesthood, consecration of oil. You can sit on benches during ceremonies. The Eucharist is celebrated on leavened bread (bread prepared with yeast); Communion for clergy and laity with the Body of Christ and His Blood (bread and wine)	Seven sacraments are accepted: baptism, confirmation, repentance, Eucharist, marriage, priesthood, consecration of oil (unction). The Eucharist is celebrated on unleavened bread (unleavened bread prepared without yeast); communion for the clergy - with the Body and Blood of Christ (bread and wine), for the laity - only with the Body of Christ (bread). You cannot sit during the rituals.
Language of worship	In most countries, worship is in Latin	In most countries, services are held in national languages; in Russia, as a rule, in Church Slavonic.

The final division of the United Christian Church into 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 suggest 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 long allowed to be baptized in either of these two ways until Pope Pius V ordered them to do so from left to right and no other way in 1570. 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 someone 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 the left side in Christianity is associated with the devil, and the right with the divine. And with the sign of the cross from right to left, moving the hand is interpreted as a victory of the divine over the devil.

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 (lat. filioque). The second considers Catholics to be schismatics (schismatics) who broke away from the One Catholic 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 begins on Ash Wednesday, and in the Byzantine rite on Clean Monday.

16. In the Western rite, prolonged kneeling is customary, in the Eastern rite - bowing to the ground, and therefore in Latin churches there appear benches with shelves for kneeling (believers sit only during the Old Testament and Apostolic readings, sermons, offers), and for the Eastern rite it is important that There was sufficient space in front of the worshiper to bow 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 the 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 by the Catholic Church, but with significant reservations. The Fundamentals of the Social Concept of 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. And therefore, when the Church begins to serve the political interests, ideological fashions and predilections of this century, ... she leaves 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 contraceptives that do not have an abortifacient effect, for example, condoms and female contraceptives. 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.

At the turn of the 8th-9th centuries, the lands of the western part of the once powerful Roman Empire came out of the influence of Constantinople. The political split led to the division of the Christian Church into Eastern and Western, which from now on had their own characteristics of governance. The Pope in the West concentrated both ecclesiastical and secular power in one hand. The Christian East continued to live in conditions of mutual understanding and mutual respect between the two branches of power - the Church and the emperor.

The final date of the schism of Christianity is considered to be 1054. The deep unity of believers in Christ was broken. After this, the Eastern Church began to be called Orthodox, and the Western - Catholic. Already from the moment of separation, differences emerged in the religious teachings of the East and the West.

Let us outline the main differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism.

Organization of the Church

Orthodoxy maintains territorial divisions into independent local churches. Today there are fifteen of them, nine of which are patriarchates. In the area 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 the division into churches of the Latin and Eastern (Uniate) rite. Monastic orders are 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 the decisions of twenty-one.

Reception of new members into the Church

In Orthodoxy, this happens through the Sacrament of Baptism three times, in the name of the Most Holy Trinity, by 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 anointed with confirmation.

The sacrament of Baptism in Catholicism occurs through pouring or sprinkling with water. Both adults and children can be baptized, but first communion occurs between the ages of 7 and 12. By this time, the child should learn the basics of faith.

Divine service

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

Divine Liturgy for the Orthodox

Orthodox Christians of the Russian Church stand during services as a sign of special humility before God. In other Eastern Rite Churches, sitting is allowed during services. And as a sign of unconditional and complete submission, Orthodox Christians kneel.

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

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 partakes only of the Body of Christ.

Confession

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

In Catholicism, confession in the presence of a priest is required 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 cross themselves over their right shoulder, and Catholics cross their left shoulder.

Catholic cross

Icons

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

The Orthodox icon is monumental, symbolic, and strict. She doesn’t talk about anything and doesn’t teach anyone. Its multi-level nature requires decoding - from the literal to the sacred meaning.

The Catholic image is more picturesque and in most cases is an illustration of biblical texts. The artist's imagination is noticeable here.

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

Sculptural images of Christ, the Virgin Mary 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 a clergyman has not chosen the monastic path for himself, then he must get married. All Catholic priests observe celibacy (vow of celibacy).

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 the ordeal of the soul.

Relations with secular authorities

Today only in Greece and Cyprus is Orthodoxy 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 separated Christians. Differences in religious doctrine are, of course, an obstacle to unity in faith, but should not be a reason for enmity and mutual hatred. This is not why Christ once came to earth.