How are Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy similar and different?

The Catholic Church believes the pope to be infallible in matters of doctrine. Orthodox believers reject the infallibility of the pope and consider their own patriarchs, too, as human and thus subject to error. Most Orthodox Churches have both ordained married priests and celibate monastics, so celibacy is an option.

What are the characteristics of Roman Catholicism?

Any list of the basic distinctive characteristics of Catholic Christianity should include the following features: it is centred on Jesus, along with his mother Mary; it takes up material objects into its sacramental and devotional life; it practises the principle of ‘both/and’ (e.g. both grace and freedom; both faith …

What are the characteristics of the Eastern Orthodox Church?

Essentially the Orthodox Church shares much with the other Christian Churches in the belief that God revealed himself in Jesus Christ, and a belief in the incarnation of Christ, his crucifixion and resurrection. The Orthodox Church differs substantially in the way of life and worship.

What were 2 conflicts between the Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy?

The Great Schism came about due to a complex mix of religious disagreements and political conflicts. One of the many religious disagreements between the western (Roman) and eastern (Byzantine) branches of the church had to do with whether or not it was acceptable to use unleavened bread for the sacrament of communion.

What are two differences between the Eastern and Roman churches?

One difference between the two is language. The Eastern Orthodox Church spoke Greek, while the Roman Catholic Church spoke Latin. In the Orthodox church, you could get married if you wished to.

Is Orthodox older than Catholicism?

The two were once one so originally there was no separation, and originally it was just the “Christian Church.” The Orthodox church is considered the original church now because they follow more of the old traditions than Roman Catholics do; more changes happened in the Catholic church after the east west schism than …

What does the Orthodox cross symbolize?

The Russian Orthodox cross differs from the Western cross. The slanted line reminds us of the two thieves on both sides of the cross. One of them to the right of Christ ascended to Heaven, while the other one sank to Hell.

Is Greek Orthodox same as Catholic?

Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox believers both believe in the same God. Roman Catholic priests cannot marry, while priests in the Greek Orthodox can marry before they are ordinated. 5. Latin is the main language used during Roman Catholic services, while Greek Orthodox churches use native languages.

Does the Eastern Orthodox Church believe in the Virgin Birth?

Simply said, Orthodox theology thinks of the young Hebrew woman Mary of Galilee as a human like any other human who was or has ever been born. Her all-holiness was not a privilege, but truly a free response to God’s call.

How old was Mary when Jesus was Orthodox?

While unproven, some apocryphal accounts state that at the time of her betrothal to Joseph, Mary was 12–14 years old. According to ancient Jewish custom, Mary could have been betrothed at about 12. Hyppolitus of Thebes says that Mary lived for 11 years after the death of her son Jesus, dying in 41 AD.

Does the Orthodox Church believe in saints?

Orthodox belief considers that God reveals saints through answered prayers and other miracles. Saints are usually recognized by a local community, often by people who directly knew them. The altar in an Orthodox church usually contains relics of saints, often of martyrs.

Why do people pray to saints?

It arises because both groups confuse prayer with worship. When we pray to the saints, we’re simply asking the saints to help us, by praying to God on our behalf—just like we ask our friends and family to do so—or thanking the saints for having already done so.

What is the main difference between Judaism and Catholicism?

Jews believe in individual and collective participation in an eternal dialogue with God through tradition, rituals, prayers and ethical actions. Christianity generally believes in a Triune God, one person of whom became human. Judaism emphasizes the Oneness of God and rejects the Christian concept of God in human form.