What is the difference between Catholics and Orthodox. Orthodoxy: the religion of deification. Icons in different Christian directions

Having got acquainted with the traditions of the Catholic Church in Europe and having talked with the priest upon returning, I discovered that there is much in common between the two directions of Christianity, but there are also fundamental differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, which, among other things, influenced the schism of the once united Christian Church.

In her article I decided accessible language tell about the differences between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox and their general outline.

Although the churchmen argue that the matter is in "irreconcilable religious differences", scholars are sure that it was, first of all, a political decision. The tension between Constantinople and Rome forced the confessors to look for an excuse to find out the relationship and ways to resolve the conflict that had arisen.

It was difficult not to notice even then entrenched in the West, where Rome dominated, features that were different from those adopted in Constantinople, it was difficult, therefore, they caught on: a different structure in matters of hierarchy, aspects of doctrine, the administration of the sacraments - everything was used.

Political tensions revealed the difference between the two traditions that exist in different parts of the collapsed Roman Empire. Differences in culture and mentality of the western and eastern parts became the reason for the prevailing uniqueness.

And, if the existence of one strong large state made the church united, with its disappearance the connection between Rome and Constantinople weakened, contributing to the creation and rooting in the western part of the country of some traditions unusual for the East.

The territorial division of the once united Christian church did not happen overnight. East and West have been moving towards this for years, culminating in the 11th century. In 1054, during the Council, the Patriarch of Constantinople was deposed by the Pope's envoys.

In response, he anathematized the Pope's messengers. The heads of the other patriarchates shared the position of Patriarch Mikhail, and the split deepened. The final rupture dates back to the times of the 4th Crusade, which plundered Constantinople. Thus, the united church of Christians split into Catholic and Orthodox.

Now Christianity unites three different directions: the Orthodox and Catholic churches, Protestantism. There is no single church uniting Protestants: there are hundreds of denominations. The Catholic Church is monolithic, led by the Pope, to whom all believers and dioceses are subject.

15 independent and recognizing each other churches constitute an asset of Orthodoxy. Both directions are religious systems that include their own hierarchy and internal rules, creed and worship, cultural traditions.

Common features of Catholicism and Orthodoxy

Followers of both churches believe in Christ, consider Him an example to follow, and try to follow His commandments. Holy Bible for them the Bible.

At the base of the traditions of Catholicism and Orthodoxy are the apostles-disciples of Christ, who founded Christian centers in large world cities (the Christian world relied on these communities). Thanks to them, both directions possess the sacraments, similar doctrines, exalt the same saints, have the same Symbol of Faith.

Followers of both churches believe in the power of the Holy Trinity.

The view on family formation in both directions converges. The conclusion of a marriage between a man and a woman takes place with the blessing of the church, being considered a sacrament. Same-sex marriage is not recognized. Entering an intimate relationship before marriage is unworthy of a Christian and is considered a sin, and same-sex people are considered a grave fall.

Followers of both streams agree that both Catholic and Orthodox churches represent Christianity, albeit in different ways. The difference for them is significant and irreconcilable, that for more than a thousand years there is no unity in the method of worship and communion of the Body and Blood of Christ, therefore they do not receive communion together.

Orthodox and Catholics: what's the difference

The result of deep religious divisions between East and West was the schism that occurred in 1054. Representatives of both directions claim striking differences between them in their religious worldview. These contradictions will be discussed below. For ease of understanding, I have compiled a special table of differences.

	The essence of the difference	Catholics	Orthodox
1	Opinion Concerning the Unity of the Church	They consider it necessary to have a single faith, sacraments and the head of the Church (Pope, of course)	Consider Unity of Faith and Sacraments Necessary
2	Different understanding of the Universal Church	The local affiliation to the Universal Church is confirmed by communication with the Roman Catholic Church.	The Ecumenical Church finds embodiment in local churches under the leadership of a bishop
3	Different interpretations of the Symbol of Faith	The Holy Spirit is emitted by the Son and the Father	The Holy Spirit is emitted by the Father or emanated from the Father through the Son
4	The sacrament of marriage	The conclusion of a marriage union between a man and a woman, blessed by a minister of the church, takes place for life without the possibility of divorce.	A marriage between a man and a woman, blessed by the church, is concluded before the end of the earthly term of the spouses (in some situations divorces are allowed)
5	The presence of an intermediate state of souls after death	The proclaimed dogma of purgatory presupposes the presence after death of a physical shell of an intermediate state of souls, for which paradise is prepared, but they cannot yet ascend to Heaven.	Purgatory, as a concept, is not provided for in Orthodoxy (there are ordeals), however, in the prayers for the departed, it is a question of souls who have remained in an indefinite state and have the hope of finding a paradise life after the end of the Last Judgment
6	Conception of the Virgin Mary	In Catholicism, the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin is adopted. It means that at the birth of the Mother of Jesus, no original sin was committed	The Virgin Mary is worshiped as a saint, but they believe that the birth of the Mother of Christ happened with original sin like any other person
7	The presence of the dogma about the stay of the body and soul of the Virgin Mary in the Kingdom of Heaven	Dogmatically fixed	Not dogmatically fixed, although followers of the Orthodox Church support this judgment
8	Pope's supremacy	According to the relevant dogma, the Pope is considered the head of the Church, having indisputable authority on key religious and administrative issues.	Pope's primacy is not recognized
9	Number of ceremonies	Several rites are used, including the Byzantine	The only (Byzantine) rite dominates
10	Making Supreme Church Decisions	Guided by the dogma proclaiming the infallibility of the Head of the Church on matters of faith and morality, subject to the approval of the decision agreed with the bishops	Convinced of infallibility exclusively Ecumenical Councils
11	Guidance in activity by decisions of the Ecumenical Councils	Guided by the decisions of the 21st Ecumenical Council	Supports and is guided by the decisions made at the 7 first Ecumenical Councils

Summing up

Despite the centuries-old schism between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, which is not expected to be overcome in the near future, there are many similar points that testify to common origins.

There are many differences, so significant that the unification of the two directions is not possible. However, regardless of the differences, Catholics and Orthodox Christians believe in Jesus Christ, carry His teachings and values around the world. Human error divided Christians, but faith in the Lord grants the unity that Christ prayed for.

The Orthodox and Catholic churches, as we know, are two branches of the same tree. Both worship Jesus, wear crosses around their necks and are baptized. How are they different? The division of the church took place as early as 1054. Actually, the disagreements between the Pope and the Patriarch of Constantinople began long before that, but it was in 1054 that Pope Leo IX sent legates to Constantinople, led by Cardinal Humbert, to resolve the conflict, which began with the closure of the Latin churches in Constantinople in 1053 by order of Patriarch Michael Cyularia, during which his sacellarius Constantine threw out of the tabernacles the Holy Gifts, prepared according to the Western custom from unleavened bread, and trampled them with his feet. However, it was not possible to find a way to reconciliation, and on July 16, 1054, in the Cathedral of Hagia Sophia, the papal legates announced the deposition of Kirularius and his excommunication from the Church. In response, on July 20, the patriarch anathematized the legates.

Although in 1965 mutual anathemas were lifted and Catholics and Orthodox no longer look askance at each other, proclaiming the idea of common roots and principles, in reality disagreements still remain.

So, what is the difference between Catholics and Orthodox. It turns out that the point is not at all that some are baptized from right to left, while others are on the contrary (although this is also the case). The essence of the contradictions is much deeper.

1. Catholics revere the Virgin Mary exactly as the Virgin, and the Orthodox see in her first of all the Mother of God. In addition, Catholics postulate the fact that the Virgin Mary was just as immaculately conceived as Christ. She, from the point of view of Catholics, was ascended alive to heaven during her lifetime, while the Orthodox even have an apocryphal story about the Dormition of the Theotokos. And this is not a Hicks Boson, in the existence of which you can believe or not, and this does not prevent you from conducting research and getting to the bottom of the truth someday. Here is a fundamental question - if you doubt the postulate of faith, then you cannot be considered a full-fledged believer.

2. For Catholics, all priests must observe celibacy - they are forbidden to have sex, and even more so to marry. Among the Orthodox, the clergy are divided into black and white. That is, therefore, deacons and priests can and even should marry, be fruitful and multiply, while the black clergy (monks) are prohibited from having sex. At all. It is believed that the highest ranks and titles in Orthodoxy, while only monastics can achieve. Sometimes, in order to be promoted to bishop, the local priest has to part with his wives. The best way to do this is to send your spouse to a monastery.

3. Catholics recognize the existence (apart from hell and heaven) of purgatory - where the soul, recognized not too sinful, but not righteous, is properly cooked and bleached before it can penetrate the gates of heaven. The Orthodox do not believe in purgatory. However, their ideas about heaven and hell are generally vague - it is believed that knowledge about them is closed to humans in earthly life. Catholics, on the other hand, have long calculated the thickness of all nine heavenly crystal vaults, compiled a list of plants growing in paradise, and even measured in honey measures the sweetness experienced by the language of the soul, which first breathed in the aromas of paradise.

4. An essential point - concerns the main prayer of Christians "Symbol of Faith". Enumerating what the adept believes in, he pronounces "in the Holy Spirit, the life-giving Lord, Who is from the Father who proceeds." Unlike Orthodox Christians, Catholics also add "from the Son" here. A question on which many theologians have broken their spears.

5. In communion, Catholics eat unleavened bread, and Orthodox Christians eat bread made from leavened dough. It would seem that here you can go to meet each other, but who will be the first to take the step?

6. During baptism, Catholics only water children and adults with water, but in Orthodoxy it is necessary to plunge into the font with your head. Therefore, large babies who do not fit into the children's font completely, as a result of which the priest is forced to water the protruding parts of their bodies with a handful, in Orthodoxy are called "oblivans". It is believed, albeit unofficially, that demons have more power over the Oblivans than over the baptized normally.

7. Catholics cross from left to right with all five fingers joined in a pinch. At the same time, they do not reach for the stomach, but make a lower touch in the chest area. This gives the Orthodox, who cross themselves with three fingers (in some cases, two) from right to left, a reason to assert that Catholics do not draw on themselves a normal cross, but turned upside down, that is, a satanic sign.

8. Catholics are obsessed with the fight against any kind of contraception, which looks especially appropriate during the AIDS pandemic. And Orthodoxy recognizes the possibility of using some contraceptives that do not have an abortive effect, such as condoms and female caps. Legally married, of course.

9. Well, Catholics regard the Pope as the infallible vicar of God on earth. In the Orthodox Church, a similar position is held by the Patriarch. Which, theoretically, can also stumble.

Catholicism is one of the three main Christian denominations. There are three denominations in total: Orthodoxy, Catholicism and Protestantism. The youngest of the three is Protestantism. It arose out of an attempt to reform the Catholic Church by Martin Luther in the 16th century.

The division into Orthodoxy and Catholicism has a rich history. The events that took place in 1054 served as the beginning. It was then that the legates of Pope Leo IX, who was ruling at that time, drew up an act of excommunication to Patriarch Michael Kerullarius of Constantinople and the entire Eastern Church. During the liturgy in the Hagia Sophia, they placed him on the throne and withdrew. Patriarch Michael responded by convening a council, at which, in turn, excommunicated papal ambassadors from the Church. The Pope took their side and since then in the Orthodox Churches the commemoration of popes at the divine service has ceased, and the Latins began to be considered schismatics.

We have collected the main differences and similarities between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, information about the dogmas of Catholicism and features of the confession. It is important to remember that all Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ, therefore neither Catholics nor Protestants can be considered “enemies” of the Orthodox Church. However, there are controversial issues in which each denomination is closer or further from the Truth.

Features of Catholicism

Catholicism has over a billion followers worldwide. The head of the Catholic Church is the Pope, not the Patriarch, as in Orthodoxy. The Pope is the supreme ruler of the Holy See. Previously, in the Catholic Church, all bishops were called so. Contrary to popular belief about the total infallibility of the Pope, Catholics consider infallible only the doctrinal statements and decisions of the Pope. V this moment Pope Francis is at the head of the Catholic Church. He was elected on March 13, 2013, and is the first Pope for long years, which the . In 2016, Pope Francis met with Patriarch Kirill to discuss the most important issues for Catholicism and Orthodoxy. In particular, - the problem of persecution of Christians, which exists in some regions and in our time.

The dogmas of the Catholic Church

A number of dogmas of the Catholic Church differ from the corresponding understanding of the Gospel truth in Orthodoxy.

Filioque is the Teaching that the Holy Spirit comes from both God the Father and God the Son.
Celibacy is a dogma about the celibacy of the clergy.
The Sacred Tradition of Catholics includes decisions taken after seven Ecumenical Councils and Papal Epistles.
Purgatory is a dogma about an intermediate “station” between hell and heaven, where you can atone for your sins.
The dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary and her bodily ascension.
The communion of the laity is only in the Body of Christ, the clergy - in the Body and Blood.

Of course, these are not all the differences from Orthodoxy, but Catholicism recognizes those dogmas that are not considered true in Orthodoxy.

Who are Catholics

The largest number of Catholics, people who practice Catholicism, live in Brazil, Mexico and the United States. It is interesting that in each country Catholicism has its own cultural characteristics.

Differences between Catholicism and Orthodoxy

Unlike Catholicism, in Orthodoxy it is believed that the Holy Spirit comes only from God the Father, as stated in the Creed.
In Orthodoxy, celibacy is observed only by monastics, the rest of the clergy can marry.
The sacred tradition of the Orthodox does not include, in addition to the ancient oral tradition, the decrees of the first seven Ecumenical Councils, and the decisions of subsequent church councils, papal messages.
In Orthodoxy, there is no dogma about purgatory.
Orthodoxy does not recognize the doctrine of the "treasury of grace" - an overabundance of good deeds of Christ, the Apostles, the Virgin Mary, which allow one to "draw" salvation from this treasury. It was this teaching that allowed the possibility of indulgences, which at one time became a stumbling block between Catholics and future Protestants. Indulgences were one of those phenomena in Catholicism that deeply angered Martin Luther. His plans included not the creation of new confessions, but the reformation of Catholicism.
In Orthodoxy, laity Communion with the Body and Blood of Christ: "Take, eat: this is my body, and drink from it all: this is my blood."

Catholics and Orthodox - what's the difference? Differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism? In this article - the answers to these questions in short, 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.

The division of the Catholic and Orthodox churches took place 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 they excommunicated and stopped the commemoration of popes in the Eastern churches.

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

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

V 1965 year Head of the Constantinople Orthodox Church Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras and Pope Paul VI abolished Mutual anathemas and signed Joint Declaration. However, unfortunately, many contradictions of the 2 churches have not yet been overcome.

In the article you will find the main differences in the dogmas and beliefs of 2 Christian churches- Catholic and Christian. But it is important to understand that all Christians - Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox - are not “enemies” to each other, but, on the contrary, are brothers and sisters in Christ.

The dogmas of the Catholic Church. Differences between Catholicism and Orthodoxy

These are the basic tenets of the Catholic Church that differ from the Orthodox understanding of the Gospel truth.

Filioque is the doctrine of 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, the Holy Tradition is only the decisions made after the 7 Ecumenical Councils, as well as the Papal messages.
Purgatory is the dogma that there is an intermediate place (purgatory) between hell and heaven, where atonement for sins is possible.
The dogma of the virgin Mary's immaculate conception and her bodily ascension.
The dogma of the communion of the clergy in the Body and Blood of Christ, and the laity - only in the Body of Christ.

The 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 marries.
For the Orthodox, the sacred tradition is an ancient oral tradition, the decrees of the first 7 Ecumenical Councils.
In Orthodox Christianity, there is no dogma about purgatory.
In Orthodox Christianity, there is no teaching about an overabundance of good deeds of the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, the apostles (“the treasury of grace”), allowing you to “draw” salvation from this treasury. This teaching allowed the appearance of indulgences. * , which became a stumbling block between Protestants and Catholics. Indulgences deeply resented Martin Luther. He did not want to create a new denomination, he wanted to reform Catholicism.
Laymen and clergy in Orthodoxy Communicate with the Body and Blood of Christ: "Take, eat: this is my body, and drink from it all: this is my blood."

Other helpful articles:? ?

Who are Catholics, in what countries do they live?

Most 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).

What percentage of the population in all countries professes Catholicism, you can see the table in 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 widespread opinion 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 headed by Pope Francis. He was elected on March 13, 2013.

Both Orthodox and Catholics are Christians!

Christ teaches us to love absolutely all people. And even more so, to our brothers in faith. Therefore, you should not argue about which faith is more correct, but it is better to show your neighbors, help those in need, a virtuous life, forgiveness, non-condemnation, meekness, mercy and love for others.

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

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

I share with you useful video WHAT AREA OF DARKNESS TEACHED ME:

Christians all over the world are arguing about which of the beliefs is more correct and more important. Concerning Catholics and Orthodox: what is the difference (and is there any) today - the most interesting questions.

It would seem that everything is so clear and simple that everyone can definitely answer briefly. But there are also those who simply do not even know what the relationship is between these confessions.

The history of the existence of two currents

So, first you need to understand Christianity in general. It is known that it is divided into three branches: Orthodox, Catholics, Protestants. Protestantism numbers several thousand churches and they are spread in all corners of the planet.

Back in the 11th century, Christianity was divided into Orthodoxy and Catholicism. This was due to a number of reasons, ranging from the holding of church ceremonies and ending with the dates of the holidays. There are not so many differences between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. First of all, by the way of management. Orthodoxy consists of numerous churches ruled by archbishops, bishops, and metropolitans. Catholic churches all over the world are subordinate to the Pope. They are considered the Universal Church. In all countries, the Catholics' churches are in a close, simple relationship.

Similarities between Orthodoxy and Catholicism

In Orthodoxy and Catholicism, the similarities and differences are approximately in equal proportion. It should be noted that both religions have not only a number of differences. Both Orthodoxy and Catholicism are very similar to each other. Here are the main points:

In addition, both confessions are united in the veneration of icons, the Mother of God, the Holy Trinity, saints, and their relics. Also, the churches are united by some saints of the first millennium, Holy Letter, Church Sacraments.

Differences between denominations

Distinctive features between these confessions also exist. It is because of these factors that the schism of the church once occurred. Its useful to note:

Sign of the Cross. Today, probably, everyone is aware of how Catholics and Orthodox Christians are baptized. Catholics cross from left to right, we are the opposite. According to the symbolism, when we are baptized first to the left, then to the right, then we are turned to God, if on the contrary, God is directed to his servants and blesses them.
Unity of the Church. Catholics have one faith, sacraments and head - the Pope. In Orthodoxy, there is no one leader of the Church, therefore there are several patriarchates (Moscow, Kiev, Serbian, etc.).
Features of the conclusion of a church marriage. In Catholicism, divorce is taboo. Our church, unlike Catholicism, allows divorce.
Heaven and Hell. According to Catholic dogma, the soul of the deceased goes through purgatory. In Orthodoxy, they believe that the human soul goes through the so-called ordeals.
Sinless Conception of the Mother of God. According to the accepted Catholic dogma, the Mother of God was immaculately conceived. Our clergy believe that the Mother of God had an ancestral sin, although her holiness is glorified in prayers.
Decision-making (number of councils). Orthodox churches make decisions by 7 Ecumenical Councils, Catholic - 21.
Disagreement in provisions. Our clergy do not recognize the dogmas of Catholics that the Holy Spirit comes from both the Father and the Son, believing that only from the Father.
The essence of love. The Holy Spirit among Catholics is marked as love between the Father and the Son, God, believers. The Orthodox see love as triune: Father - Son - Holy Spirit.
Pope's infallibility. Orthodoxy denies the Pope's supremacy over all Christianity and its infallibility.
Sacrament of Baptism. We must make a confession before the procedure. The child is immersed in a baptismal font, and water is poured over his head during the Latin rite. Confession is considered a voluntary act.
Priests. Catholic priests are called pastors, priests (among the Poles) and priests (priest in everyday life) among the Orthodox. Pastors do not wear beards, but priests and monks wear beards.
Fast. Catholic canons regarding fasting are less strict than those of the Orthodox. The minimum retention from food is 1 hour. In contrast, our minimum retention from food is 6 hours.
Prayers before icons. There is an opinion that Catholics do not pray in front of icons. In fact, this is not the case. They have icons, but they have a number of features that differ from the Orthodox. For example, left hand for the saint it lies on the right (for the Orthodox, on the contrary), and all the words are written in Latin.
Liturgy. According to tradition, church services are performed at the Host (unleavened bread) in the Western rite and Prosphora (leavened bread) among the Orthodox.
Celibacy. All Catholic ministers of the church take a vow of celibacy, but our priests get married.
Holy water. Church ministers sanctify, and Catholics bless the water.
Memorial days. These confessions also have different days of commemoration of the departed. Catholics have the third, seventh and thirtieth day. Among the Orthodox - the third, ninth, fortieth.

Church hierarchy

It is also worth noting the difference in hierarchical ranks. According to the bit table, the highest level among the Orthodox is occupied by the patriarch... The next step is metropolitan, archbishop, bishop... This is followed by the ranks of priests and deacons.

The Catholic Church has the following ranks:

Pope;
Archbishops,
Cardinals;
Bishops;
Priests;
Deacons.

Orthodox Christians have two opinions about Catholics. First, Catholics are heretics who have distorted the creed. Second: Catholics are schismatics, because it is because of them that a split from the One Holy Apostolic Church occurred. Catholicism considers us to be schismatics, not counting us as heretics.