Frequently asked questions.
What is the Orthodox Church?
The Orthodox Church, is one of the oldest and largest branches of Christianity. The Orthodox Church traces its origins Jesus Christ and to the early Christian communities established by the holy apostles and their successors.
The Orthodox Church includes both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Oriental Orthodox Church. Both branches share a rich theological heritage, an emphasis on the sacramental life, and the belief in the apostolic succession of bishops, but they are distinct in certain theological and historical aspects.
What are the key characteristics of the Eastern Orthodox Church?
The Eastern Orthodox Church is made up of a family of autocephalous (independent) churches that are united by common beliefs, traditions, and practices.
Historical Background: The Eastern Orthodox Church was originally united with the Roman Catholic Church until the Great Schism of 1054. This split occurred due to theological differences, cultural divergence, and political tensions between the Eastern (Greek-speaking) and Western (Latin-speaking) branches of Christianity.
Theology and Beliefs: The Eastern Orthodox Church believes in the Holy Trinity, the divinity of Christ, the importance of the Bible, and the teachings of the Church Fathers. It emphasizes Holy Tradition alongside Scripture, viewing both as essential sources of divine revelation.
Sacraments and Worship: The Eastern Orthodox Church practices seven sacraments: Baptism, Chrismation (Anointing with Oil), Eucharist, Confession, Marriage, Ordination, and Unction (Healing). The Divine Liturgy, their form of worship, is central to the Christian life, with a strong focus on the Eucharist.
Church Governance: The Eastern Orthodox Church is organized into several autocephalous (independent) churches, including:
1. Ecumenical Patriarchate of ConstantinopleEcumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople
Russian Orthodox Church
Greek Orthodox Church (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Constantinople)
Serbian Orthodox Church
Romanian Orthodox Church
Bulgarian Orthodox Church
Georgian Orthodox Church
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
Albanian Orthodox Church
Cyprus Orthodox Church
Polish Orthodox Church
Czech and Slovak Orthodox Church
Orthodox Church in America (OCA)
Church of the Netherlands (Dutch Orthodox Church)
Orthodox Church of Japan
Finnish Orthodox Church
Church of Sinai
The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople holds a position of honor but does not have direct authority over the other Orthodox Churches.
What are the key characteristics of the Oriental Orthodox Church?
The Oriental Orthodox Church is a distinct group of Christian churches that also traces its origins to the early Christian Church. It is made up of six autocephalous churches that share a common theological heritage, though they diverged from the Eastern Orthodox Church in the 5th century over theological differences regarding the nature of Christ, particularly at the Council of Chalcedon (451).
The Oriental Orthodox Church does not accept the Chalcedonian Definition of Christ, which teaches that Christ is both fully divine and fully human in two distinct natures. Instead, the Oriental Orthodox Churches believe in the doctrine of Miaphysitism, which asserts that Christ is of one united nature that is both divine and human.
Historical Background: The split between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Oriental Orthodox Church occurred after the Council of Chalcedon (451), which defined Christ as having two distinct natures (divine and human). The Oriental Orthodox Church rejected this definition, holding that Christ is of one united divine-human nature. This led to a schism, and the Oriental Orthodox Churches were often referred to as the "Non-Chalcedonian" Churches.
Theology and Beliefs: The Oriental Orthodox Churches affirm the doctrine of Miaphysitism ("one united nature"), contrasting with the Dyophysitism ("two natures") of the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. The theology of the Oriental Orthodox Church stresses the full divinity and humanity of Christ in one united nature.
Sacraments and Worship: Like the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Oriental Orthodox Church practices seven sacraments, including the Eucharist, Baptism, Confession, and others. The worship in the Oriental Orthodox tradition is similar to that of the Eastern Orthodox Church, but the liturgies are often in different languages and have distinct variations in the rites.
Church Governance: The Oriental Orthodox Church consists of six autocephalous Churches, each with its own patriarch, and they include:
The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria
The Armenian Apostolic Church
The Syriac Orthodox Church
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church
The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (Indian Orthodox Church)
The Eritrean Orthodox Church
These churches maintain a rich and ancient tradition of liturgy and theology, with a strong emphasis on monasticism and asceticism.
What are the major Differences between the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches?
Christology: The most significant theological difference between the two branches is their understanding of Christ's nature. The Eastern Orthodox Church adheres to the belief that Christ is "fully God and fully man" in two distinct natures, while the Oriental Orthodox Church believes that Christ is of one united divine-human nature (Miaphysite). Despite this difference, both traditions affirm Christ's divinity and humanity.
Ecumenical Councils: The Eastern Orthodox Church accepts the first seven Ecumenical Councils (from Nicaea to Constantinople II), while the Oriental Orthodox Church rejects the Council of Chalcedon (451), which defined Christ's two natures.
Liturgical Practices: Both traditions have a strong liturgical life, but their liturgies differ in language, style, and specific practices. For example, the Eastern Orthodox Church uses the Byzantine Rite, while the Oriental Orthodox Church uses various local rites, such as the Coptic Rite, Armenian Rite, and West Syriac Rite.
Papal Authority: The Eastern Orthodox Church rejects the authority of the Pope of Rome, emphasizing the collegiality of bishops and the "first among equals" status of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. The Oriental Orthodox Churches also do not accept papal authority, but each autocephalous church is independent in its governance.
What are the common beliefs and practices shared by both traditions?
Apostolic Succession: Both the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches maintain the doctrine of apostolic succession, meaning that their bishops are the legitimate successors to the apostles, having received their authority through the laying on of hands.
The Sacramental Life: Both traditions hold to the seven sacraments (Baptism, Chrismation/Confirmation, Eucharist, Confession, Matrimony, Unction, and Ordination) and view them as channels of divine grace.
Veneration of Saints and Icons: Both the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches place a strong emphasis on the veneration of saints and icons. They view saints as intercessors before God and use icons in their liturgical life to aid in prayer and devotion.
What are the differences between the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic church?
The Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church are two of the largest branches of Christianity, both sharing a common origin in the early Christian Church. However, they differ significantly in theology, practices, governance, and history. Below are the key differences:
1. Authority and Leadership
Roman Catholic Church:
Papal Supremacy: The Roman Catholic Church holds that the Pope, the Bishop of Rome, is the supreme earthly authority and the Vicar of Christ. The Pope is considered to have universal jurisdiction over all Christians and is regarded as infallible in matters of doctrine and faith when speaking ex cathedra (from the chair) on issues of doctrine.
Centralized Governance: The Catholic Church is highly centralized, with the Pope as the head of the entire Church, exercising authority over the bishops and clergy worldwide.
Orthodox Church:
Conciliarity (Synodality): The Orthodox Church rejects papal supremacy. Instead, it operates on the principle of conciliarity (synodality), where authority is shared among the bishops. The Orthodox Church is composed of several autocephalous (independent) churches, each with its own head, such as a Patriarch or Archbishop. The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople holds a position of honor but has no direct authority over other Orthodox Churches.
"First Among Equals": The Ecumenical Patriarch is considered the first among equals within the Orthodox hierarchy, meaning he has a special honor but no supreme authority like the Pope.
2. Theological Differences
Roman Catholic Church:
Original Sin and Immaculate Conception: Catholics believe in the doctrine of original sin, which is transmitted to all human beings at birth. The Immaculate Conception teaches that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without original sin, so she could be a pure vessel for the Son of God.
Transubstantiation: In the Eucharist (Holy Communion), Catholics believe in transubstantiation, the belief that during the consecration of the bread and wine, they become the actual body and blood of Christ, even though they maintain the appearance of bread and wine.
Purgatory: Catholics believe in purgatory, a temporary state of purification for souls who have died in a state of grace but still need to be purified before entering heaven.
Orthodox Church:
Original Sin: The Orthodox Church also believes in original sin, but it teaches that it is transmitted through human choice, and while it affects human nature, it does not carry the same implications regarding guilt as in Catholicism.
Mystery of the Eucharist: While the Orthodox Church believes in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, it does not define how this happens in the same way as the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation. The Orthodox Church refers to the Eucharist as a mystery, acknowledging the real presence without specifying the mechanism of transformation.
No Doctrine of Purgatory: The Orthodox Church does not have the Catholic doctrine of purgatory. While they believe in prayer for the dead and that souls may undergo purification, they do not have a defined theological concept of purgatory as a place or state of purification before entering heaven.
3. Mary and the Saints
Roman Catholic Church:
Veneration of Mary: The Catholic Church holds a high regard for Mary, the Mother of God, and teaches doctrines such as the Assumption (Mary being taken up into heaven body and soul) and the Immaculate Conception. Catholics pray to Mary and the saints as intercessors.
Saints: Catholics venerate saints and believe in their intercessory role, praying to saints to intercede on their behalf before God.
Orthodox Church:
Veneration of Mary: The Orthodox Church also honors Mary as the Theotokos (God-bearer) and deeply venerates her. However, the Orthodox Church does not accept the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception or the Assumption in the same way as Catholics.
Saints: Like Catholics, the Orthodox Church venerates saints and believes in their intercessory role, but the emphasis is on the communion of saints rather than the formalized processes like Catholic canonization. Orthodox Christians may ask saints to intercede, but they do not view them as mediators in the same sense as the Catholic Church.
4. Sacraments
Roman Catholic Church:
Seven Sacraments: The Catholic Church recognizes seven sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Penance (Confession), Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, and Holy Orders. These sacraments are seen as essential for the spiritual life of the believer.
Confession: Catholics believe in the sacrament of penance or confession, in which sins are confessed to a priest for absolution.
Orthodox Church:
Seven Sacraments: The Orthodox Church also recognizes seven sacraments (or mysteries), but they often have a slightly different theological understanding of them. The Orthodox view the sacraments as means of grace, but the emphasis is less on legalistic aspects and more on the mystical transformation of the believer.
Confession: The sacrament of confession exists in the Orthodox Church, but the emphasis is on repentance and spiritual healing, rather than on a juridical process of absolution.
5. Liturgy and Worship
Roman Catholic Church:
Latin Rite and Other Rites: The Catholic Church primarily uses the Latin Rite for the Mass, although there are also Eastern Catholic Churches (which are in communion with the Pope but follow Eastern liturgical rites, such as the Byzantine Rite).
Pope’s Role in Liturgy: In Catholic liturgy, the Pope has a central and authoritative role, and the Mass typically follows a set form dictated by the Church's liturgical books.
Orthodox Church:
Byzantine Rite: The Orthodox Church primarily uses the Byzantine Rite, which is ancient and known for its rich, mystical liturgical practices. The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is the most commonly used.
Iconography: The use of icons (sacred images) is central in Orthodox worship, and they are believed to be windows to the divine, aiding in prayer and devotion.
6. Divorce and Remarriage
Roman Catholic Church:
Indissolubility of Marriage: The Catholic Church teaches that marriage is a sacrament and is indissoluble. Divorce is not allowed, and a Catholic who divorces and remarries without an annulment is considered to be living in sin.
Annulments: If a marriage is found to be invalid, the Catholic Church can issue an annulment, declaring that the sacrament of marriage never truly existed.
Orthodox Church:
Marriage: The Orthodox Church also teaches that marriage is sacred and indissoluble, but it has a more lenient approach toward divorce and remarriage. The Orthodox Church permits divorce in cases of adultery, abuse, or abandonment, and allows for remarriage after divorce, though it is seen as a concession to human weakness and is accompanied by repentance.
7. Transubstantiation vs. Real Presence
Roman Catholic Church:
Transubstantiation: The Catholic Church teaches the doctrine of transubstantiation, which means that during the celebration of the Eucharist, the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ, while retaining their outward appearance.
Orthodox Church:
Mystery of the Eucharist: The Orthodox Church teaches that the bread and wine become the real body and bloodof Christ, but the Orthodox Church does not define this in the scholastic terms of transubstantiation. The change is viewed as a divine mystery, and the exact mechanism of how this happens is not elaborated upon in the same way.
Have more questions?
Feel free to reach out to Fr. John at:
Fr.John@theholytrinityorthodoxchurch.org