Orthodox Christianity is distinct from Catholicism, in that it believes in the Holy Spirit and rejects the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. It also has a long and uninterrupted history, and enjoys communion with Anglicanism. However, there are some differences between the two denominations, which should be explained thoroughly.
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Orthodox christianity believes in the Holy Spirit
Orthodox Christians believe that the Holy Spirit is a constant presence in the life of a Christian. In particular, catechumens must wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit, which is the source of new life and forgiveness. In addition, regular Eucharistic spirituality is intertwined with a sense of expectation of the Holy Spirit’s arrival.
For Orthodox Christians, the Holy Spirit works through the sacraments to bring about change in a person’s life. This process is called deification, and is a way for an individual to achieve union with God.
Orthodox christianity rejects the Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary
While Catholics claim that Mary was born without original sin, Orthodox Christians reject this doctrine. In fact, the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary is opposed by Protestants. Protestants reject the Immaculate Conception for a number of reasons.
While Catholics see Mary as the mediator between God and humanity, Orthodox Christians consider her a “theotokos” – a mother of a savior. Though both churches view Mary as the mother of Jesus, many Orthodox portrayals of Mary include him.
The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception is a core part of the Catholic faith. The Catholic Church considers the Immaculate Conception a sacred dogma and celebrates the Immaculate Conception as a holy day.
Orthodox christianity has an unbroken history
Orthodox Christianity has a long and unbroken history that dates back to the time of Christ and His apostles. This Christianity claims to be the Church of Christ and the fullness of his body. The Holy Land is its origin, as is Greece, and the Slavic Lands. It is the oldest Christian faith and the second largest church in Christendom, after the Roman Catholic Church. Its history is marked by persecution, but it has remained steadfast.
Orthodox Christians believe in the Incarnation, which views Christ as the Son of God who became Man. It is the central doctrine of the Church and unifies divinity with humanity. It teaches that Jesus is God and man, as He became flesh to save mankind.
Orthodox christianity has communion with Anglicanism
Orthodox Christians and Anglicans are in communion, though they are very different. In the past, Anglicans held a unique place in the Orthodox Christian tradition. They were a middle ground between Catholics and Protestants, but without the bitter memories of the Crusades or the rejection of the entire first millennium Tradition. Indeed, many Orthodox in the United States remember their bishops’ advice that if they were unable to attend an Orthodox Church, they should attend an Episcopalian church.
A common point of agreement between Orthodox and Anglican Christians is that both have valid priesthoods. The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople recognized the valid priesthood of the Anglican Church in 1975. As a result, Anglican Bishops and Priests are now allowed to perform valid Sacraments.
Orthodox christianity uses icons
Orthodox Christian icons are depictions of important figures from the faith’s history. They depict saints, apostles, and prophets, among others. Orthodox Christians use icons to convey the teachings of the faith to ordinary people. Those who lack the time or literacy to read religious texts are greatly benefitted by this method of communication. Icons also help the devout remember the superior character traits and deeds of these figures. They also depict various aspects of the spiritual journey.
Eastern Orthodox churches rely on their continuity with the early church to justify the use of icons in their liturgical services. While Eastern Orthodox apologists claim that the early church also used images in their worship, there are many contradictions in their iconography.