What is the difference between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church? Historically, these two churches have been at odds. The East-West Schism of 1054 brought the two denominations to a brief reunion. But today, the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church are officially at odds. There are many key differences between the two, as well as similarities. For example, the Catholic Church has a strong focus on the Bible, while the Eastern Orthodox Church rejects the Bible and has a very contrasting view.
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Celibacy
The orthodox church respects married priests, and both types of clergy can serve the same sacrament. Both forms of service are equally valid, and the choice of which is best is up to the individual member. The choice is based on their vocation and charism. The orthodox church generally favors celibacy, and the catholic church supports the practice of marriage in certain cases.
Although there are many differences between the two religions, some basic beliefs remain the same. For example, the Catholic Church and Orthodox Church agree on priest celibacy, but they differ in other ways. The orthodox church accepts married clergy and uses leavened bread for communion. Both denominations also disagree on the Trinity, although it is not a central theme in both churches. Both have clergy who practice celibacy, but Catholics consider celibacy a charism given by God.
Concept of original sin
The concept of original sin is a key difference between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. While Catholics define sin as breaking God’s law, Orthodox see sin as separating man from God. Although the two beliefs are complementary, each view carries its own set of implications and problems. The following article attempts to answer these questions and provide a detailed overview of the different views on original sin.
According to the Roman Catholic Church, Mary was born free of original sin and assumed to heaven directly, without dying. Orthodox Christians, however, believe that Mary shared Adam’s mortality and died like every other human. However, she was raised from the dead, as the first fruit of the Redemption. As such, the Orthodox Church rejects the Catholic doctrine of original sin. While Catholics believe in the doctrine of immaculate conception, Orthodox Christians believe that Mary was born without original sin, unlike the Protestant doctrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Language of Worship
There is considerable controversy regarding the language used in worship, especially in the U.S., where Eastern Catholic Churches in union with Rome have their own “parent-language” but promulgate the Eastern Code of Canon Law in Latin for convenience. The question of which language is most appropriate for worship has been a point of contention for Orthodox churches for over a century. The answer depends on the specific denomination and the needs of the members.
In the twelfth century, Theodore Balsamon answered a question from the Mark Melkite Patriarch of Alexandria. The Patriarch asked Balsamon what he would say about Armenian priests in Egypt who did not know Greek. Balsamon replied by saying that “the God of the Jews and the Christians is the same.” This statement has been recognized by the Holy See in modern times.
Application of original sin to Mary
The orthodox and Catholic churches hold different views on the application of original sin to Mary. Orthodox Christians believe that Mary was sinless for her entire life and do not hold the same views as the Medieval Roman Catholics. Only after the seventeenth century did Eastern Christians learn about St. Augustine, who had a considerable influence on the Latin Rite theology of sin. Augustine held that original sin is a moral defect brought about by concupiscence or reproduction. He also argued that this sin manifests itself in a stain on the person and can be expressed in a person’s quasi-personal guilt.
Despite the differences in doctrine, Catholics and Orthodox Christians agree on one basic principle: that the Virgin Mary was saved from original sin before birth. This doctrine has been affirmed in the Immaculate Conception dogma, a popular interpretation of which claims that Mary was innocent from conception. The Immaculate Conception is based on citations from various Old Testament texts. It is possible that this view was initially based on the early church’s belief in Mary’s holiness. However, in recent years, many theologians have questioned whether Mary could have experienced sin herself.
