The main differences of Orthodoxy. Orthodoxy and Catholicism: attitude and opinion about religion, the main differences from the Orthodox Church

It is very important for a believing Christian to accurately represent the main provisions of his own faith. The difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, which manifested itself during the period of the church schism in the middle of the 11th century, developed over the years and centuries and created practically different branches of Christianity.

In short, what distinguishes Orthodoxy is that it is a more canonical teaching. No wonder the church is also called Eastern Orthodoxy. Here they try to adhere to the original traditions with high accuracy.

Consider the main milestones of history:

• Until the 11th century, Christianity develops as a single doctrine (of course, the statement is largely arbitrary, since for a whole millennium various heresies and new schools that deviated from the canon appeared), which is actively progressing, spreading in the world, the so-called Ecumenical Councils are held, designed to solve some of the dogmatic features of the doctrine;
• The Great Schism, that is, the Church Schism of the 11th century, which separates the Western Roman Catholic Church from the Eastern Orthodox Church, in fact, the Patriarch of Constantinople (Eastern Church) and the Roman Pontiff Leo the Ninth quarreled, as a result, they betrayed each other to mutual anathema, that is, excommunication from churches;
• the separate path of the two churches: in the West, in Catholicism, the institution of pontiffs flourishes and various additions are made to the dogma; in the East, the original tradition is honored. Russia becomes in fact the successor of Byzantium, although the Greek Church remained the guardian of the Orthodox tradition to a greater extent;
• 1965 - the formal lifting of mutual anathemas after the meeting in Jerusalem and the signing of the corresponding declaration.

Over the course of almost a thousand years, Catholicism has undergone a huge number of changes. In turn, in Orthodoxy, even minor innovations that concerned only the ritual side were not always accepted.

The main differences between traditions

Initially, the Catholic Church was formally closer to the basis of the doctrine, since the Apostle Peter was the first pontiff in this particular church.

In fact, the tradition of the transmission of the Catholic ordination of the apostles comes from Peter himself.

Although consecration (that is, ordination to the priesthood) also exists in Orthodoxy, and every priest who becomes a partaker of the Holy Gifts in Orthodoxy also becomes the bearer of the original tradition coming from Christ himself and the apostles.

Note! In order to indicate each difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, a significant amount of time will be required, this material sets out the most basic details and provides an opportunity to develop a conceptual understanding of the difference in traditions.

After the split, Catholics and Orthodox gradually became carriers of very different views. We will try to consider the most significant differences that relate to both dogmatics, and the ritual side, and other aspects.

Perhaps the main difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism is contained in the text of the “Symbol of Faith” prayer, which should be regularly recited by the believer.

Such a prayer is, as it were, a super-compressed summary of the entire teaching, describes the main postulates. In Eastern Orthodoxy, the Holy Spirit comes from God the Father, each Catholic in turn reads about the descent of the Holy Spirit from both the Father and the Son.

Prior to the schism, various decisions regarding dogmatics were taken by the conciliar, that is, by representatives of all regional churches at a common council. This tradition still remains in Orthodoxy, but it is not this that is essential, but the dogma of the infallibility of the pontiff of the Roman Church.

This fact is one of the most significant differences between Orthodoxy and the Catholic tradition, since the figure of the patriarch does not have such powers and has a completely different function. The pontiff, in turn, is a vicar (that is, as if an official representative with all the powers) of Christ on earth. Of course, the scriptures say nothing about this, and this dogma was adopted by the church itself much later than the crucifixion of Christ.

Even the first pontiff Peter, whom Jesus himself appointed "the stone on which he will build up the church", was not endowed with such powers, he was an apostle, but no more.

However, the modern pontiff, to some extent, is no different from Christ himself (before His coming at the end of time) and can independently make any additions to the doctrine. From this arise differences in dogma, which in a significant way lead away from the original Christianity.

A typical example is the virginity of the conception of the Virgin Mary, which we will discuss in more detail below. This is not indicated in the scriptures (even the exact opposite is indicated), but Catholics relatively recently (in the 19th century) accepted the dogma of the immaculate conception of the Virgin, accepted the current pontiff for that period, that is, this decision was infallible and dogmatically correct, in agreement with the will of Christ himself .

Quite rightly, it is the Orthodox and Catholic Churches that deserve more attention and detailed consideration, since only these Christian traditions have the rite of consecration, which actually comes directly from Christ through the apostles, whom He provided on the day of Pentecost with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. The apostles, in turn, passed on the Holy Gifts through the ordination of priests. Other movements, such as, for example, Protestants or Lutherans, do not have a rite of transmission of the Holy Gifts, that is, priests in these movements are outside the direct transmission of doctrine and sacraments.

Icon painting traditions

Only Orthodoxy differs from other Christian traditions in the veneration of icons. In fact, this has not only a cultural aspect, but also a religious one.

Catholics have icons, but they do not have the exact traditions of creating images that convey the events of the spiritual world and allow one to ascend into the spiritual world. To understand the difference between the perception in the two directions of Christianity, just look at the images in the temples:

• in Orthodoxy and nowhere else (if Christianity is considered), the icon-painting image is always created using a special technique for building perspective, in addition to this, deep and multifaceted religious symbols are used, those present on the icon never express earthly emotions;
• if you look in a Catholic church, you can immediately see that these are mostly paintings painted by simple artists, they convey beauty, they can be symbolic, but they focus on the earthly, saturated with human emotions;
• characteristic is the difference in the image of the cross with the Savior, because Orthodoxy differs from other traditions in the image of Christ without naturalistic details, there is no emphasis on the body, He is an example of the dominance of the spirit over the body, and Catholics most often in the crucifixion focus on the sufferings of Christ, carefully depict the details the wounds that He had, consider the feat precisely in suffering.

Note! There are separate branches of Catholic mysticism that represent an in-depth concentration on the suffering of Christ. The believer seeks to fully identify himself with the Savior and experience his full suffering. By the way, in connection with this, there are phenomena of stigmata.

In short, the orthodox church shifts the focus to the spiritual side of things, even art is used here as part of a special technique that changes the perception of a person so that he can better enter into a prayerful mood and perception of the heavenly world.

Catholics, in turn, do not use art in this way, they can emphasize beauty (Madonna and Child) or suffering (Crucifixion), but these phenomena are transmitted purely as attributes of the earthly order. As the wise saying goes, to understand religion, you need to look at the images in the temples.

Immaculate Conception of the Virgin

In the modern Western Church, there is a kind of cult of the Virgin Mary, which was formed purely historically and also largely due to the adoption of the previously noted dogma about Her Immaculate Conception.

If we remember the scripture, then it clearly speaks of Joachim and Anna, who conceived quite viciously, in a normal human way. Of course, this was also a miracle, since they were elderly people, and the archangel Gabriel appeared to everyone before, but the conception was human.

Therefore, for the Orthodox, the Mother of God is not a representative of the divine nature from the very beginning. Although she subsequently ascended in the body and was taken by Christ to Heaven. Catholics now consider Her to be something like the personification of the Lord. After all, if the conception was immaculate, that is, from the Holy Spirit, then the Virgin Mary, like Christ, combined both divine and human nature.

Good to know!

Topic: Similarities and differences between Catholics and Orthodox.

1. Catholicism- from the Greek word katholikos - universal (later - universal).

Catholicism is the Western version of Christianity. Appeared as a result of the church schism, prepared by the division of the Roman Empire into Western and Eastern. The core of all the activities of the Western Church was the desire to unite Christians under the authority of the Roman bishop (pope). Catholicism finally took shape as a creed and church organization in 1054.

1.1 History of development.

The history of the development of Catholicism is a long process, stretching for centuries, where there was a place for lofty aspirations (missionary work, enlightenment), and for the aspirations of secular and even world power, and a place for the bloody inquisition.

In the Middle Ages, the religious life of the Western Church included magnificent and solemn services, the worship of numerous holy relics and relics. Pope Gregory 1 included music in the Catalytic Liturgy. He also tried to replace the cultural traditions of antiquity with "saving church enlightenment."

Catholic monasticism contributed to the establishment and spread of Catholicism in the West.

Religion in the Middle Ages ideologically substantiated, justified and consecrated the essence of relations in a feudal society, where classes were clearly divided.

In the middle of the 8th century, an independent secular Papal State arose, i.e. at the time of the collapse of the Roman Empire, it was the only real power.

The strengthening of the secular power of the popes soon gave rise to their desire to dominate not only the church, but also the world.

During the reign of Pope Innocent 3 in the 13th century, the church reached its highest power, Innocent 3 managed to achieve the supremacy of spiritual power over secular, not least thanks to the crusades.

However, cities and secular sovereigns came out in the fight against papal absolutism, whom the clergy accused of heresy and created the Holy Inquisition, called upon to “uproot heresy with fire and sword.”

But the fall of the supremacy of spiritual power was inevitable. A new era of reformation and humanism was coming, which undermined the spiritual monopoly of the church, destroyed the political and religious solidity of Catholicism.

However, a century and a half after the French Revolution, the Vienna Congress of 1814-1815. restored the Papal States. Currently, there is a theocratic state of the Vatican.

The development of capitalism, industrialization, urbanization and the deterioration of the life of the working class, the rise of the labor movement led to the spread of an indifferent attitude towards religion.

Now the church has become a "church of dialogue with the world." New in its activities is the protection of human rights, especially the right to religious freedom, the struggle for the family and morality.

The area of ​​activity of the church is culture and cultural development.

In relations with the state, the church offers loyal cooperation, without the subordination of the church to the state and vice versa.

1.2 Features of dogma, cult and structure

religious organization of Catholicism.

2. Catholics recognize the Holy Scripture (Bible) and holy tradition as the source of doctrine, which (unlike Orthodoxy) includes the decisions of the ecumenical gatherings of the Catholic Church and the judgments of the popes.

3. Adding to the Filioque Creed The Holy Spirit comes from God the Father. The addition consisted in the assertion that the Holy Spirit proceeds from God the Father and from God the Son (Orthodoxy rejects the filioque).

4. A feature of Catholicism is the exalted veneration of the Mother of God, the recognition of the legend of the immaculate conception of Mary by her mother Anna, and her bodily ascension to heaven after death.

5. The clergy take a vow of celibacy - celibacy. It was established in the 13th century in order to prevent the division of land between the heirs of the clergyman. Celibacy is one of the reasons why many Catholic priests today refuse to be ordained.

6. Dogma about purgatory. For Catholics, this is an intermediate place between heaven and hell, where the souls of sinners who have not received forgiveness in earthly life, but are not burdened with mortal sins, burn in a cleansing fire before gaining access to heaven. Catholics understand this test in different ways. Some interpret fire as a symbol, others recognize its reality. The fate of the soul in purgatory can be facilitated, and the period of its stay there can be shortened by “good deeds” performed in memory of the deceased by relatives and friends who remained on earth. "Good deeds" - prayers, masses and material donations in favor of the church. (The Orthodox Church rejects the doctrine of purgatory).

7. Catholicism is characterized by a magnificent theatrical cult, a wide veneration of relics (the remains of the “clothing of Christ”, pieces of the “cross on which He was crucified”, nails “with which He was nailed to the cross”, etc.), the cult of martyrs, saints and blessed.

8. Indulgence - a papal letter, a certificate of remission of both committed and not yet committed sins, issued for money or for special services to the Catholic Church. Indulgence is justified by theologians by the fact that the Catholic Church allegedly has a certain stock of good deeds performed by Christ, the Virgin Mary and the saints, which can cover the sins of people.

9. The church hierarchy is based on divine authority: the mystical life originates from Christ and descends through the pope and the entire structure of the church to its ordinary members. (Orthodoxy refutes this assertion).

10. Catholicism, like Orthodoxy, recognizes 7 sacraments - baptism, chrismation, communion, repentance, priesthood, marriage, unction.

2. Orthodoxy- one of the directions of Christianity, was formed in the 4th - 8th centuries, and gained independence in the 11th century as a result of the church schism, prepared by the division of the Roman Empire into Western and Eastern (Byzantium).

2.1 History of development.

Orthodoxy did not have a single church center, because. church power was concentrated in the hands of 4 patriarchs. As the Byzantine Empire collapsed, each of the patriarchs began to head an independent (autocephalous) Orthodox Church.

The beginning of the establishment of Orthodoxy in Russia as a state religion was laid by the Kyiv prince Vladimir Svyatoslavovich. By his order, in 988, the Byzantine clergy christened the inhabitants of the capital of the ancient Russian state of Kyiv.

Orthodoxy, like Catholicism, justified and sanctified social inequality, the exploitation of man, called on the masses to humility and patience, which was very convenient for secular power.

The Russian Orthodox Church for a long time depended on the Constantinople (Byzantine) Church. Only in 1448 did she gain autocephaly. Since 1589, in the list of local Orthodox churches, the Russian was given the honorable 5th place, which it still occupies.

To strengthen the position of the church within the country at the beginning of the 17th century, Patriarch Nikon carried out a church reform.

Inaccuracies and inconsistencies in the liturgical books were corrected, the church service was somewhat shortened, bows to the ground were replaced by bows, they began to be baptized not with two, but with three fingers. As a result of the reform, a split occurred, which led to the emergence of the Old Believer movement. Moscow Local Councils 1656 - 1667 cursed (anathematized) the old rites and their adherents, who were persecuted using the state repressive apparatus. (The curse of the Old Believers was abolished in 1971).

Peter 1 reorganized the Orthodox Church into an integral part of the state apparatus.

Just like Catholicism, Orthodoxy actively intervened in secular life.

During the revolution and the formation of Soviet power, the influence of the church was reduced to nothing. In addition, temples were destroyed, the clergy were persecuted and repressed. In the Soviet Union it is necessary to be an atheist - that was the party's line on the issue of freedom of conscience. Believers were looked upon as feeble-minded, condemned and oppressed.

Entire generations grew up in disbelief in God. Faith in God was replaced by faith in the leader and in a "bright future."

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the temples began to be restored, people calmly visit them. The murdered clergy are counted among the holy martyrs. The church began to cooperate with the state, which began to return previously requisitioned church lands. Priceless icons, bells, etc. are returning from abroad. A new round of strengthening Orthodoxy in Russia began.

2.2 The doctrine of Orthodoxy and comparison with Catholicism.

Their differences and similarities.

1. Orthodoxy does not have a single church center, like Catholicism, and consists of 15 autocephalous and 3 autonomous local churches. Orthodoxy denies the dogma of Catholics about the primacy of the Pope of Rome and his infallibility (see paragraph 1 on Catholicism).

2. The religious basis is made up of Holy Scripture (Bible) and sacred tradition (decisions of the first 7 ecumenical councils and the works of the Church Fathers of the 2nd - 8th centuries.

3. The creed obliges to believe in one God, acting in three persons (persons): God the Father, God the Son, God the Spirit (Holy). The Holy Spirit is declared to come from God the Father. Orthodoxy did not adopt the Filioque from the Catholics (see paragraph 3).

4. The most important dogma of the incarnation, according to which Jesus Christ, while remaining a god, was born of the virgin Mary. The Catholic cult of veneration of Mary is not recognized in Orthodoxy (see paragraph 4).

5. The clergy in Orthodoxy is divided into white (married parish priests) and black (monastics who take a vow of celibacy). Among Catholics, the vow of celibacy is given by the entire clergy (see paragraph 5).

6. Orthodoxy does not recognize purgatory (see paragraph 6).

7. In Orthodoxy, importance is attached to rituals, the cult of saints, the remains of saints are revered - relics, icons, i.e. the same as the Catholics, however, there are no relics in Orthodoxy (see paragraph 7).

8. In Orthodoxy there is a concept of remission of sins after confession and repentance. Orthodoxy does not recognize the indulgence of Catholics (see paragraph 8).

9. Orthodoxy denies the church hierarchy of Catholics, their divinity, succession from the apostles (see paragraph 9).

10. Like Catholicism, Orthodoxy recognizes all seven Christian sacraments. Orthodoxy and Catholicism also have common norms of church life (canons) and the most important components of ritualism: the number and nature of the sacraments, the content and sequence of services, the layout and interior of the temple, the structure of the clergy and its appearance, the presence of monasticism. Divine services are conducted in national languages, and dead languages ​​\u200b\u200bare used (Latin).

Bibliography.

1. Protestanism: an atheist's dictionary (Under the general editorship of L.N. Mitrokhin. - M: Politizdat, 1990 - p. 317).

2. Catholicism: an atheist's dictionary (Under the general editorship of L.N. Velikovich. - M: Politizdat, 1991 - p. 320).

3. Pechnikov B.A. Knights of the Church. M: Politizdat, 1991 - p. 350.

4. Grigulevich I.R. Inquisition. M: Politizdat, 1976 - p. 463

Until 1054 the Christian Church was one and indivisible. The split occurred due to disagreements between Pope Leo IX and the Patriarch of Constantinople Michael Cirularius. The conflict began due to the last closing of several Latin churches in 1053. For this, the papal legates excommunicated Cirularius from the Church. In response, the patriarch anathematized the papal envoys. In 1965 mutual curses were lifted. However, the schism of the Churches has not yet been overcome. Christianity is divided into three main areas: Orthodoxy, Catholicism and Protestantism.

Eastern Church

The difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, since both of these religions are Christian, is not very significant. However, there are still some differences in doctrine, the performance of the sacraments, etc. About which ones, we'll talk a little later. First, let's make a small overview of the main directions of Christianity.

Orthodoxy, called in the West an orthodox religion, is currently practiced by about 200 million people. Approximately 5,000 people are baptized every day. This direction of Christianity was spread mainly in Russia, as well as in some countries of the CIS and Eastern Europe.

The Baptism of Russia took place at the end of the 9th century on the initiative of Prince Vladimir. The ruler of a huge pagan state expressed a desire to marry the daughter of the Byzantine emperor Basil II, Anna. But for this he had to accept Christianity. An alliance with Byzantium was essential to strengthen the authority of Russia. At the end of the summer of 988, a huge number of Kyivans were christened in the waters of the Dnieper.

Catholic Church

As a result of the split in 1054, a separate confession arose in Western Europe. Representatives of the Eastern Church called her "Catholicos". In Greek it means "universal". The difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism lies not only in the approach of these two Churches to some of the dogmas of Christianity, but also in the very history of development. The Western confession, compared to the Eastern one, is considered much more rigid and fanatical.

One of the most important milestones in the history of Catholicism was, for example, the Crusades, which brought much grief to the common population. The first of these was organized at the call of Pope Urban II in 1095. The last - the eighth - ended in 1270. The official goal of all crusades was the liberation of the "holy land" of Palestine and the "Holy Sepulcher" from the infidels. The actual one is the conquest of lands that belonged to Muslims.

In 1229, Pope George IX issued a decree establishing the Inquisition - an ecclesiastical court for cases of apostates from the faith. Torture and burning at the stake - this is how extreme Catholic fanaticism was expressed in the Middle Ages. In total, during the existence of the Inquisition, more than 500 thousand people were tortured.

Of course, the difference between Catholicism and Orthodoxy (this will be briefly discussed in the article) is a very large and deep topic. However, with regard to the attitude of the Church towards the population, in general terms, its traditions and basic concept can be understood. The Western denomination has always been considered more dynamic, but at the same time aggressive, in contrast to the "calm" orthodox one.

Currently, Catholicism is the state religion in most European and Latin American countries. More than half of all (1.2 billion people) modern Christians profess this particular religion.

Protestantism

The difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism also lies in the fact that the former has remained united and indivisible for almost a millennium. In the Catholic Church in the XIV century. a split occurred. This was connected with the Reformation - a revolutionary movement that arose at that time in Europe. In 1526, at the request of the German Lutherans, the Swiss Reichstag issued a decree on the right of free choice of religion by citizens. In 1529, however, it was abolished. As a result, a protest followed from a number of cities and princes. This is where the word “Protestantism” comes from. This Christian direction is subdivided into two more branches: early and late.

At the moment, Protestantism is spread mostly in the Scandinavian countries: Canada, USA, England, Switzerland, the Netherlands. In 1948 the World Council of Churches was created. The total number of Protestants is about 470 million people. There are several denominations of this Christian direction: Baptists, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Calvinists.

In our time, the World Council of Protestant Churches is pursuing an active peacemaking policy. Representatives of this religion advocate detente of international tension, support the efforts of states in defense of peace, etc.

The difference between Orthodoxy from Catholicism and Protestantism

Of course, during the centuries of schism, significant differences arose in the traditions of the churches. The basic principle of Christianity - the acceptance of Jesus as the Savior and the Son of God - they did not touch. However, in relation to certain events of the New and Old Testaments, there are often even mutually exclusive differences. In some cases, the methods of conducting various kinds of rites and sacraments do not converge.

The main differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism and Protestantism

	Orthodoxy		Catholicism	Protestantism
Control	Patriarch, Cathedral			World Council of Churches, Councils of Bishops
Organization	Bishops do not depend much on the Patriarch, they are mainly subordinate to the Council		There is a rigid hierarchy with subordination to the Pope, hence the name "Universal Church"	There are many denominations that have created the World Council of Churches. Holy Scripture is placed above the authority of the Pope
Holy Spirit	It is believed that it comes only from the Father		There is a dogma that the Holy Spirit proceeds both from the Father and from the Son. This is the main difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism and Protestantism.
	The statement is accepted that man himself is responsible for his sins, and God the Father is a completely impassive and abstract being.		It is believed that God suffers because of human sins.
Dogma of Salvation	By crucifixion, all the sins of mankind were atoned for. Only the original remains. That is, when committing a new sin, a person again becomes the object of God's wrath.		The man was, as it were, “ransomed” by Christ through the crucifixion. As a result, God the Father changed his anger to mercy regarding original sin. That is, a person is holy by the holiness of Christ himself.
	Sometimes allowed		Forbidden	Allowed but frowned upon
Immaculate Conception of the Virgin	It is believed that the Mother of God is not spared from original sin, but her holiness is recognized		The complete sinlessness of the Virgin Mary is preached. Catholics believe that she was conceived immaculately, like Christ himself. With regard to the original sin of the Mother of God, therefore, there are also quite significant differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism.
Taking the Virgin to Heaven	It is unofficially believed that this event may have taken place, but it is not enshrined in dogmas.		The taking of the Mother of God to heaven in a physical body is a dogma	The cult of the Virgin Mary is denied
	Only liturgy is held		Both a mass and a Byzantine-like Orthodox liturgy can be held	The Mass was rejected. Divine services are held in modest churches or even in stadiums, concert halls, etc. Only two rites are practiced: baptism and communion
Marriage of clergy	Allowed		Only allowed in the Byzantine Rite	Allowed
Ecumenical Councils	Based on the decisions of the first seven		Guided by decisions 21 (last passed in 1962-1965)	Recognize the decisions of all Ecumenical Councils, if they do not contradict each other and Holy Scripture
	Eight-pointed with crossbeams at the bottom and at the top		A simple four-pointed Latin cross is used	Not used in worship. Worn by representatives of not all faiths
	Used in large quantities and are equated with the Holy Scriptures. Created in strict accordance with church canons		They are considered only decoration of the temple. They are ordinary paintings on a religious theme.	Not used
Old Testament	Recognized as Hebrew and Greek		Greek only	Only Jewish canonical
Absolution	The ceremony is performed by a priest			Not allowed
Science and religion	Based on scientists' assertion, dogmas never change.	Dogmas can be adjusted in accordance with the point of view of official science

Christian cross: differences

Disagreements regarding the descent of the Holy Spirit are the main difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism. The table also shows many other, albeit not too significant, but still discrepancies. They arose long ago, and, apparently, none of the churches expresses a special desire to resolve these contradictions.

There are differences in the attributes of different areas of Christianity. For example, the Catholic cross has a simple quadrangular shape. The Orthodox have eight-pointed. The orthodox Eastern Church believes that this type of crucifix most accurately conveys the shape of the cross described in the New Testament. In addition to the main horizontal bar, it contains two more. The upper one personifies a tablet nailed to the cross and containing the inscription "Jesus of Nazarene, King of the Jews." The lower slanting crossbar - a prop for the feet of Christ - symbolizes the "righteous measure".

Table of differences of crosses

The image of the Savior on the crucifix used in the Sacraments is also something that can be attributed to the topic "the difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism." The western cross is a little different from the eastern one.

As you can see, in relation to the cross there is also a quite noticeable difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism. The table shows this clearly.

As for the Protestants, they consider the cross to be a symbol of the Pope, and therefore they practically do not use it.

Icons in different Christian directions

So, the difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism and Protestantism (the table of comparisons of crosses confirms this) in relation to paraphernalia is quite noticeable. There are even greater discrepancies in these directions in icons. The rules for depicting Christ, the Mother of God, saints, etc. may differ.

Below are the main differences.

The main difference between an Orthodox icon and a Catholic one is that it is written in strict accordance with the canons established back in Byzantium. Western images of saints, Christ, etc., strictly speaking, have nothing to do with the icon. Usually such paintings have a very broad plot and are painted by ordinary, non-church artists.

Protestants consider icons to be a pagan attribute and do not use them at all.

Monasticism

With regard to leaving worldly life and devoting oneself to the service of God, there is also a significant difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism and Protestantism. The comparison table above shows only the main differences. But there are other differences, also quite noticeable.

For example, in our country, each monastery is practically autonomous and is subordinate only to its own bishop. Catholics have a different organization in this regard. Monasteries are united in the so-called Orders, each of which has its own head and its charter. These associations may be scattered throughout the world, but nevertheless they always have a common leadership.

Protestants, unlike Orthodox and Catholics, reject monasticism altogether. One of the inspirers of this teaching - Luther - even married a nun.

Church Sacraments

There is a difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism in relation to the rules for conducting various kinds of rituals. In both of these Churches, 7 sacraments are accepted. The difference is primarily in the meaning attached to the main Christian rites. Catholics believe that the sacraments are valid whether a person is in tune with them or not. According to the Orthodox Church, baptism, chrismation, etc., will be effective only for believers who are completely disposed towards them. Orthodox priests even often compare Catholic rites with some kind of pagan magical ritual that operates regardless of whether a person believes in God or not.

The Protestant Church practices only two sacraments: baptism and communion. Everything else is considered superficial and rejected by representatives of this trend.

Baptism

This main Christian sacrament is recognized by all churches: Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Protestantism. Differences are only in the ways of performing the ceremony.

In Catholicism, it is customary for babies to be sprinkled or doused. According to the dogmas of the Orthodox Church, children are completely immersed in water. Recently, there has been some deviation from this rule. However, now the ROC is again returning in this rite to the ancient traditions established by the Byzantine priests.

The difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism (the crosses worn on the body, like large ones, may contain an image of an “orthodox” or “Western” Christ) in relation to the celebration of this sacrament, therefore, is not very significant, but it still exists.

Protestants usually perform the rite of baptism also with water. But in some denominations it is not used. The main difference between Protestant baptism and Orthodox and Catholic baptism is that it is performed exclusively for adults.

Differences in the sacrament of the Eucharist

We have considered the main differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism. This is an attitude to the descent of the Holy Spirit and to the virginity of the birth of the Virgin Mary. Such significant divergences have emerged over the centuries of schism. Of course, they are also present in the celebration of one of the main Christian sacraments - the Eucharist. Catholic priests take communion only with bread, and unleavened. This church product is called wafers. In Orthodoxy, the sacrament of the Eucharist is celebrated with wine and ordinary yeast bread.

In Protestantism, not only members of the Church, but also anyone who wishes is allowed to receive communion. Representatives of this branch of Christianity celebrate the Eucharist in the same way as the Orthodox - with wine and bread.

Contemporary Church Relations

The split of Christianity occurred almost a thousand years ago. And during this time, the churches of different directions failed to agree on unification. Disagreements regarding the interpretation of Holy Scripture, paraphernalia and rituals, as you see, have survived to this day and have even intensified over the centuries.

Relations between the two main confessions, Orthodox and Catholic, are also rather ambiguous in our time. Until the middle of the last century, serious tensions remained between these two churches. The key concept in the relationship was the word "heresy".

Recently, this situation has changed a little. If earlier the Catholic Church considered Orthodox Christians almost a bunch of heretics and schismatics, then after the Second Vatican Council it recognized the orthodox Sacraments as valid.

Orthodox priests did not formally adopt such an attitude towards Catholicism. But the completely loyal acceptance of Western Christianity has always been traditional for our church. However, of course, some tension between Christian denominations still persists. For example, our Russian theologian A. I. Osipov does not have a very good attitude towards Catholicism.

In his opinion, there is a more than noteworthy and serious difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism. Osipov considers many saints of the Western Church almost crazy. He also warns the Russian Orthodox Church that, for example, cooperation with the Catholics threatens the Orthodox with complete submission. However, he repeatedly mentioned that among Western Christians there are wonderful people.

Thus, the main difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism is the attitude towards the Trinity. The Eastern Church believes that the Holy Spirit proceeds only from the Father. Western - both from the Father and from the Son. There are other differences between these denominations. However, in any case, both churches are Christian and accept Jesus as the Savior of mankind, whose coming, and therefore Eternal life for the righteous, is inevitable.

Catholicism is part of Christianity, and Christianity itself is one of the main religions of the world. Its directions include: Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Protestantism, with many types and branches. Most often, people want to understand what difference does Orthodoxy have from Catholicism, how does one differ from the other? Do such similar religions and churches that have the same root as Catholicism and Orthodoxy have serious differences? Catholicism in Russia and other Slavic states is much less widespread than in the West. Catholicism (translated from the Greek "katholikos" - "universal") is a religious direction, numbering about 15% of the population of the entire globe (that is, about a billion people profess Catholicism). Of the three respected Christian denominations (Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Protestantism), Catholicism is rightfully considered the largest branch. Most adherents of this religious movement live in Europe, Africa, as well as in Latin America and the USA. The religious trend arose as early as the first century AD - at the dawn of Christianity, during times of persecution and religious disputes. Now, after 2 thousand years, the Catholic Church has taken pride of place among the world's religious denominations. Establish a connection with God!

Christianity and Catholicism. Story

In the first thousand years of Christianity, the word "Catholicism" did not exist, simply because there were no branches of Christianity, the faith was one. The history of Catholicism began in the Western Roman Empire, where in 1054 the Christian Church was divided into two main directions: Catholicism and Orthodoxy. Constantinople became the heart of Orthodoxy, and Rome was declared the center of Catholicism, the reason for this division was the split between Orthodoxy and Catholicism.
Since then, the religious trend began to actively spread to the countries of Europe and America. Despite the subsequent multiple split of Catholicism (for example, Catholicism and Protestantism, Anglicanism, Baptism, etc.), it has become one of the largest denominations of the present time.
In the XI-XIII centuries, Catholicism in Europe gained the strongest power. Religious thinkers of the Middle Ages believed that God created the world, and it is unchanging, harmonious, reasonable.
In the XVI-XVII there was a collapse of the Catholic Church, during which a new religious direction appeared - Protestantism. What is the difference between Protestantism and Catholicism? First of all, in the organizational issue of the church and in the authority of the Pope.
The clergy belonged to the most important estate in connection with the mediation of the church between God and people. The religion of Catholicism insisted on the fulfillment of the commandments of the Bible. The church considered the ascetic a role model - a holy man who renounced worldly goods and riches that humiliate the state of the soul. The contempt of earthly riches was replaced by heavenly riches.
The church considered it a virtue to support low-income people. Kings, nobles close to them, merchants and even poor people tried to participate in charitable deeds as often as possible. At that time, a title appeared for special churches in Catholicism, which is assigned by the pope.
social doctrine
The Catholic doctrine was based not only on religious, but also on humanistic ideas. It was based on Augustinism, and later Thomism, accompanied by personalism and solidarism. The philosophy of the teaching was that, in addition to the soul and body, God gave people equal rights and freedoms that remain with a person all his life. Sociological as well as theological knowledge has helped to build a developed social doctrine of the Catholic Church, which believes that its teachings were created by the apostles and still retain their original origins.
There are several doctrinal issues on which the Catholic Church has a distinct position. The reason for this was the split of Christianity into Orthodoxy and Catholicism.
Devotion to the mother of Christ, the Virgin Mary, who, according to Catholics, gave birth to Jesus without sin, and her soul and body were taken to heaven, where she has a special place between God and His people.
The unshakable belief that when the priest repeats the words of Christ from the Last Supper, the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus, although there is no outward change.
Catholic teaching has a negative attitude towards artificial methods of contraception, which, according to the church, interfere with the birth of a new life.
Recognition of abortion as the destruction of human life, which, according to the Catholic Church, begins at the moment of conception.

Control
The idea of ​​Catholicism is closely connected with the apostles, especially with the apostle Peter. Saint Peter is considered the first pope, and each subsequent pope is considered his spiritual successor. This gives the leader of the church strong spiritual authority and authority to resolve disputes that could disrupt governance. The notion that church leadership is an unbroken lineage from the apostles and their teachings (“apostolic succession”) has contributed to the survival of Christianity through times of trial, persecution, and reformation.
The advisory bodies are:
Synod of Bishops;
College of Cardinals.
The main differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism in the organs of church administration. The hierarchy of the Catholic Church consists of its bishops, priests and deacons. In the Catholic Church, power rests primarily with the bishops, with priests and deacons serving as their co-workers and assistants.
All clergy, including deacons, priests, and bishops, may preach, teach, baptize, perform sacred marriages, and conduct funerals.
Only priests and bishops may administer the sacraments of the Eucharist (although others may be ministers of Holy Communion), Repentance (Reconciliation, Confession) and Consecration of the Unction.
Only bishops can administer the sacrament of the Priesthood by which people become priests or deacons.
Catholicism: Churches and their meaning in religion
The church is considered "the body of Jesus Christ". The scripture says that Christ chose 12 apostles for God's temple, but it is the apostle Peter who is considered the first bishop. In order to become a full member of the Catholic Church Society, it is necessary to preach Christianity or undergo the sacred sacrament of baptism.

Catholicism: the essence of the 7 sacraments
The liturgical life of the Catholic Church revolves around 7 sacraments:
baptism;
chrismation (confirmation);
Eucharist (communion);
repentance (confession);
unction (unction);
marriage;
priesthood.
The purpose of the sacraments of the faith of Catholicism is to bring people closer to God, to feel grace, to feel unity with Jesus Christ.
1. Baptism
The first and main sacrament. Cleanses the soul from sins, gives grace. For Catholics, the sacrament of Baptism is the first step in their spiritual journey.
2. Confirmation (confirmation)
In the rite of the Catholic Church, Chrismation is allowed only after 13-14 years. It is believed that it is from this age that a person will be able to become a full member of church society. Confirmation is given through the anointing with holy Chrism and the laying on of hands.
3. Eucharist (Communion)
Sacrament in memory of the death and resurrection of the Lord. The incarnation of the flesh and blood of Christ is presented to believers through the tasting of wine and bread during worship.
4. Repentance
Through repentance, believers free their souls, receive forgiveness for their sins, and become closer to God and the church. The confession, or disclosure, of sins frees the soul and facilitates our reconciliation with others. In this sacred sacrament, Catholics find God's unconditional forgiveness and learn to forgive others.
5. Unction
Through the sacrament of anointing with oil (sacred oil), Christ heals believers who suffer from illness, giving them support and grace. Jesus showed great concern for the physical and spiritual well-being of the sick and commanded his followers to do the same. The celebration of this sacrament is an opportunity to deepen the faith of the community.
6. Marriage
The sacrament of marriage is to some extent a comparison of the union of Christ and the church. The marriage union is sanctified by God, filled with grace and joy, blessed for the future family life, the upbringing of children. Such a marriage is inviolable and ends only after the death of one of the spouses.
7. Priesthood
The sacrament, by which bishops, priests and deacons are ordained, receive power and grace for the performance of their sacred duties. The rite by which orders are conferred is called ordination. The apostles were ordained by Jesus at the Last Supper so that others could share in his priesthood.
The difference between Orthodoxy from Catholicism and Protestantism and their similarities
Catholic beliefs do not really differ significantly from the other major branches of Christianity, Greek Orthodoxy and Protestantism. All three main branches hold the doctrine of the Trinity, the deity of Jesus Christ, the inspiration of the Bible, and so on. But as far as certain doctrinal points are concerned, there are some differences. Catholicism differs in several beliefs, which include the special authority of the pope, the concept of purgatory, and the doctrine that the bread used in the Eucharist becomes the true body of Christ during the blessing of the priest.

Catholicism and Orthodoxy: differences

Being types of one religion, Catholicism and Orthodoxy did not find a common language for a long time, namely from the 13th century to the middle of the 20th century. Due to this fact, these two religions have received many differences. How is Orthodoxy different from Catholicism?

The first difference between Catholicism can be found in the structure of the organization of churches. So, in Orthodoxy there are many churches, separate and independent of each other: Russian, Georgian, Romanian, Greek, Serbian, etc. Catholic churches located in different countries around the world have a single mechanism and are subject to one ruler - the Pope.

It should also be noted that the Orthodox Church does not accept changes, believing that it is necessary to follow all the canons and honor all the knowledge that was transmitted by Jesus Christ to his apostles. That is, the Orthodox in the 21st century observe the same rules and customs as the Orthodox in the 15th, 10th, 5th and 1st centuries.

Another difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism is that in Orthodox Christianity the main divine service is the Divine Liturgy, in Catholicism it is the Mass. The parishioners of the Orthodox Church conduct the service standing, while Catholics often sit, but there are services that they conduct on their knees. The Orthodox endow only the Father with the symbol of faith and holiness, the Catholics give both the Father and the son.

Differs Catholicism and knowledge of life after death. In the Orthodox faith, there is no such thing as purgatory, unlike Catholicism, although such an intermediate stay of the soul after leaving the body and before entering the judgment of God is not denied.

The Orthodox call the Mother of God the Mother of God, they consider her born in sin, like ordinary people. Catholics refer to her as the Virgin Mary, conceived immaculately and ascended to heaven in human form. On Orthodox icons, saints are depicted in two dimensions to convey the presence of another dimension - the world of spirits. Catholic icons have an ordinary, simple perspective and the saints are depicted in a naturalistic way.

Another difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism is in the shape and form of the cross. For Catholics, it is presented in the form of two crossbars, it can be either with the image of Jesus Christ, or without it. If Jesus is present on the cross, then he is depicted with a martyr's look and his feet are chained to the cross with one nail. The Orthodox have a cross of four crossbars: a small horizontal one is added to the two main ones at the top and a crossbar at an angle at the bottom, symbolizing the direction to heaven and hell.

Faith Catholicism differs in the commemoration of the dead. Orthodox commemorate on days 3, 9 and 40, Catholics on days 3, 7 and 30. Also in Catholicism there is a special day of the year - November 1, when all the dead are commemorated. In many states, this day is a holiday.
Another difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism is that, unlike their counterparts in Protestant and Orthodox churches, Catholic priests take vows of celibacy. This practice is rooted in the early associations of the papacy with monasticism. There are several Catholic monastic orders, the most famous being the Jesuits, Dominicans and Augustinians. Catholic monks and nuns take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and dedicate themselves to a simple, worship-oriented life.

And finally, we can single out the process of the sign of the cross. In the Orthodox Church, they are baptized with three fingers and from right to left. Catholics, on the contrary, from left to right, the number of fingers does not matter.

Having got acquainted in Europe with the traditions of the Catholic Church and after talking with the priest upon her return, she discovered that there is much in common between the two areas of Christianity, but there are also fundamental differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, which, among other things, influenced the split of the once united Christian Church.

In my article, I decided to tell in an accessible language about the differences between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church and their common features.

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

It was difficult not to notice the features that were already entrenched in the West, where Rome dominated, that were different from those accepted in Constantinople, which is why they got hooked on it: a different arrangement in matters of hierarchy, aspects of doctrine, the conduct of the sacraments - everything was used.

Due to political tension, the existing difference between the two traditions that exist in different parts of the collapsed Roman Empire was revealed. The reason for the existing originality was the differences in culture, mentality of the western and eastern parts.

And, if the existence of one strong large state made the church one, 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 division of the once united Christian church on a territorial basis did not happen at one moment. 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 envoys of the Pope.

In response, he anathematized the envoys of the Pope. The heads of the other patriarchates shared the position of Patriarch Michael, and the split deepened. The final break is attributed to the time of the 4th Crusade, which sacked Constantinople. Thus, the united Christian Church split into Catholic and Orthodox.

Now Christianity combines 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, it is led by the Pope, to whom all believers and dioceses are subject.

15 independent and mutually recognizing churches constitute the asset of Orthodoxy. Both directions are religious systems that include their own hierarchy and internal rules, dogma and worship, cultural traditions.

Common features of Catholicism and Orthodoxy

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

At the foundation of the traditions of Catholicism and Orthodoxy are the apostles-disciples of Christ, who founded Christian centers in major world cities (the Christian world relied on these communities). Thanks to them, both directions have sacraments, similar creeds, exalt the same saints, have the same Creed.

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

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

Followers of both directions agree that both the Catholic and Orthodox branches of the church represent Christianity, albeit in different ways. The difference for them is significant and irreconcilable, that for more than a thousand years there has been no unity in the way of worship and communion of the Body and Blood of Christ, therefore they do not take communion together.

Orthodox and Catholics: What's the difference?

The result of deep religious differences between East and West was the schism that took place in 1054. Representatives of both directions declare striking differences between them in the religious worldview. Such contradictions will be discussed later. For ease of understanding, I compiled a special table of differences.

	The essence of the difference	Catholics	Orthodox
1	Opinion on the Unity of the Church	They consider it necessary to have a single faith, the sacraments and the head of the Church (Pope, of course)	They consider it necessary to unite the faith and the celebration of the sacraments
2	Different understanding of the Universal Church	The belonging of the local to the Universal Church is confirmed by communion with the Roman Catholic Church	The universal Church is embodied in local churches under the leadership of the bishop
3	Different interpretations of the Creed	The Holy Spirit is emitted by the Son and the Father	The Holy Spirit is emitted by the Father or comes from the Father through the Son
4	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	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 the physical shell of an intermediate state of souls for whom 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 prayers for the dead, we are talking about souls left in an indefinite state and having the hope of finding a heavenly life after the Last Judgment
6	Conception of the Virgin Mary	In Catholicism, the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin is adopted. This means that no original sin was committed at the birth of the Mother of Jesus.	They venerate the Virgin Mary as a saint, but believe that the birth of the Mother of Christ occurred with original sin, like any other person
7	The presence of the dogma about the presence 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	Supremacy of the Pope	According to the relevant dogma, the Pope of Rome is considered the head of the Church, having unquestioned authority on key religious and administrative issues.	The supremacy of the Pope is not recognized
9	Number of rites	Several rites are used, including the Byzantine	A single (Byzantine) rite dominates
10	Making Supreme Church Decisions	Guided by a dogma proclaiming the infallibility of the Head of the Church in matters of faith and morality, subject to the approval of a decision agreed with the bishops	We are convinced of the infallibility of exclusively Ecumenical Councils
11	Guidance in activities by the decisions of the Ecumenical Councils	Guided by the decisions of the 21st Ecumenical Council	Supports and is guided by the decisions taken at the first 7 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 similarities 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 believe in Jesus Christ, carry His teachings and values ​​around the world. Human error has divided Christians, but faith in the Lord brings the unity for which Christ prayed.