During the time when the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches were in conflict, both churches were in the midst of a schism. This schism was caused by the East-West Schism of 1054. After the schism, the two churches began to disagree over several issues, such as the validity of the Catholicism, the Byzantine rite, and the Holy Eucharist. While both churches have their own beliefs, there is still a common ground between both of their faiths.
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Common ground between their own faith and Catholicism
Historically, the Catholic Church and the Protestants have been at odds with each other, dating back to the sixteenth century. The two traditions ascribe different qualities to the Bible, and their respective philosophies of salvation are not always compatible. Despite this, there are some areas where the two religions agree.
Specifically, the Catholic Church believes that the Holy Bible is the inerrant Word of God. Catholics also believe that the Pope is the Vicar of Christ.
Those who believe in the Catholic Church are expected to attend mass and participate in the liturgical life of the church. They also believe in seven sacraments, which are part of the worship experience.
The East–West Schism of 1054
Often called the Great Schism, the East-West Schism is the separation of the two largest branches of Christian tradition. It was a result of an extended period of estrangement. This separation created two great denominations in Christianity: the Western Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
The Western Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church shared common heritage and doctrine, but they differed on several important theological issues. The schism was the culmination of a long history of disagreements, which began as early as the early days of Christianity.
The Great Schism was the result of a mix of theological and political conflicts. The western (Roman) and eastern (Byzantine) branches of the church disagreed on the use of unleavened bread for communion.
The Byzantine rite
Throughout the world, the Byzantine rite is the most commonly used Catholic rite. The Byzantine Catholic faith has many eparchies in North America. The Byzantine Catholic church is primarily made up of Christians who celebrate the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great, the patron saint of Byzantine Catholics. However, this church does not offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass every day of the year. It only celebrates Liturgy on Sundays and feast days.
There are a number of differences between the Byzantine rite and the Latin rite. For one, the Byzantine rite does not allow a kneeling posture during consecration of the Eucharist. The priest stands in front of the tabernacle while the congregation prays.
The Holy Eucharist
Despite the differences in tradition, the Holy Eucharist in the Greek orthodox church and Eastern Orthodox Church are essentially the same. It is a ritual of faith and worship, characterized by a joyous and resurrectional character. It is also the center of life in the Orthodox Church.
The Orthodox Church teaches that the Eucharist is a real manifestation of Christ’s body and blood. It is the centerpiece of all Church institutions.
The Greek Orthodox Church believes that the Real Presence of Christ is the reason why everyone should be partaking in this sacrament. It is a free gift of God. In order to be eligible to receive, you must be baptized and have lived a life of holiness and charity.
The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople
Among the leaders of the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople holds a unique position. He serves as the spiritual leader of 300 million Orthodox Christians around the world. His role includes coordinating actions of Churches and conducting inter-faith dialogues.
During the Roman Empire, the Apostles spread Christianity across the Greek East. The first Ecumenical Council was convened by Constantine in 325 A.D. It established the Nicaean Creed and a constitutional framework for Christianity.
The First Ecumenical Council was followed by seven other Ecumenical Councils. The most recent was the Holy and Great Council, which met in Jun 2016. It gathered most of the Orthodox churches.
The Eastern Mediterranean
Throughout the centuries, the Eastern Mediterranean of the Greek Orthodox Church has faced numerous challenges. From economic stagnation to regional tensions, the region has been challenged to maintain its autonomy from the West. Russia’s growing presence in the region has only intensified these challenges.
Moscow is interested in cultivating governing elites and rising decision-makers in the region. It has made some progress. However, Moscow has yet to fulfill its sweeping promises of debt relief and investment. It has focused on cultivating elites in the region through symbolic diplomacy.
Moscow’s approach to the Eastern Mediterranean has not resonated with wider constituencies. Russia’s capabilities in the region are modest. Moscow sees the Eastern Mediterranean as a key flank in its standoff with the West. It seeks to cultivate rising decision-makers, gain financial leverage, and cultivate the security dependencies of the region.