Catholic vs. Orthodox: Explaining the Difference - Explaining the Faith

Father Chris AAR, speaking from the National Shrine of Divine Mercy, discusses the historical and theological differences between the Catholic and Orthodox churches, focusing on their split and its implications for current events in Russia and Ukraine. He explains the historical context of the Eastern Orthodox Church's separation from the Catholic Church in 1054 and the subsequent Protestant Reformation. Father Chris emphasizes the importance of understanding these differences, particularly in light of Russia's relationship with the Orthodox Church and its political implications. He highlights the beauty and validity of the Orthodox faith while advocating for unity under the Catholic Church.

• The Eastern Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church share similarities but also have fundamental differences, having split over a thousand years ago.
• The discussion aims to clarify the confusion surrounding the similarities and differences between these two branches of Christianity.

"The Eastern Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church, which is not Catholic, are similar but different, and they split a thousand years ago."

• This quote highlights the historical division and ongoing confusion about the relationship between the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

• Christianity is the largest religious group globally, comprising Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants.
• The Catholic Church is the largest, followed by the Orthodox Church, which partially split from the Catholic Church, and the Protestant Church, which fully separated in 1519.

"Christianity is the largest religious group in the world... amongst that is the Catholic Church, number one by far the biggest."

• This emphasizes the size and influence of the Catholic Church within Christianity.

• Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire in 313 under Constantine, who did not create the Catholic Church but legalized it.
• The Roman Empire split into Eastern and Western Empires in 395, leading to the development of distinct religious practices and governance.

"Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire in 313 by Constantine... he made it legal and the official religion of the Roman Empire."

• This provides context for the legal establishment of Christianity and the subsequent division of the Roman Empire.

• The Byzantine Empire, or Eastern Roman Empire, continued after the fall of the Western Empire in 476, with Constantinople as its center.
• The Byzantine Empire considered itself the "Second Rome," and Russia later referred to itself as the "Third Rome."

"The Byzantine Empire... still remained headquartered in Constantinople... they called it the Byzantine Empire."

• This highlights the continuity and influence of the Byzantine Empire after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

• In the East, the Emperor wielded significant power over the church, appointing patriarchs and influencing church governance, unlike in the West where the Pope held authority.
• This state control over the church is mirrored in modern Russia, where the state seeks to influence the Orthodox Church.

"In the East, that Emperor wielded tremendous power over the church... this is what Putin is doing today."

• This underscores the historical and ongoing tension between church and state, particularly in Eastern Christianity.

• The formal split between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches is often dated to 1054, though it was a gradual process with earlier tensions.
• The immediate cause was a dispute over liturgical practices, such as the use of leavened versus unleavened bread in the Eucharist.

"In 1054 is when the problem started... Catholic Normans took over the Byzantine colonies in southern Italy and made them use unleavened bread."

• This illustrates how seemingly minor liturgical differences contributed to a major religious schism.

• Despite the schism, there have been ongoing attempts to reconcile the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, though full unity has not been achieved.
• Historical events like The Fourth Crusade further strained relations between the two branches.

"There was no single event that marked the Schism... it just happened a little by little over the years."

• This quote reflects the complexity and gradual nature of the schism, as well as the ongoing efforts for reconciliation.

• In 1453, the Eastern Byzantine Empire collapsed, leading to the Ottoman Turks taking over Constantinople.
• The Muslim Turks pressured the Eastern Orthodox Churches to sever their ties with Rome, contributing to the Great Schism.
• The Sultan of the Ottoman Empire exploited the Eastern Orthodox Church by selling the office of the patriarch to the highest bidder, significantly undermining the church's integrity.

"A Thousand Years Later the Eastern Byzantine Empire collapsed 1453 guess what happened the Muslims took over the Turks the Turks took over Constantinople."

• This marks the end of the Byzantine Empire and the beginning of Ottoman rule in Constantinople.

"Islam forced those churches because now they controlled to split to go away from the Catholic church."

• The political and religious influence of Islam led to a further division between the Eastern Orthodox Churches and the Roman Catholic Church.

• Ivan the Great, the grandfather of Ivan the Terrible, became the first Tsar, with the title "Tsar" being derived from "Caesar."
• Moscow positioned itself as the "Third Rome," claiming leadership and protection over Eastern Christianity.
• The Russian Orthodox Church declared independence from the patriarch of Constantinople in 1589, leading to further fragmentation.

"Ivan the Great became the first Zar you ever hear a zar in Russian spelling it's TS a r you know what it's in English CZ a r and and you know what it stands for Caesar."

• The adoption of the title "Tsar" reflects the ambition of Russian rulers to assume the mantle of Roman imperial authority.

"Moscow called themselves The Third Rome and the Caesar tried to become the protector of the chist the Eastern Orthodox."

• Moscow's claim as the "Third Rome" signifies its desire to lead and protect Eastern Christianity, echoing the influence of the earlier Roman and Byzantine empires.

• The current patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew, approved a plan in 2018 to establish an independent Orthodox Church in Ukraine, leading to tensions with the Russian Orthodox Church.
• The Russian Orthodox Church, under Patriarch Kirill, cut ties with Constantinople, viewing the move as an infringement on its authority.
• Russian political figures, including Putin, have been involved in religious affairs, with accusations of using the church for political purposes.

"Bartholomew he approved a plan in 2018 we're just talking a few years ago he approved a plan to create a single self-governing Church in the Ukraine."

• This move aimed to unify the Orthodox community in Ukraine but sparked a significant conflict with the Russian Orthodox Church.

"Putin accused the Ukrainian government of being behind this he accused them of trying to destroy the Russian Affiliated church."

• The political implications of religious decisions have led to accusations and tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with Putin taking a strong stance against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church's independence.

• A major theological disagreement between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches is the Filioque clause, which involves the procession of the Holy Spirit.
• The Western Church added "and the Son" to the Nicene Creed, indicating that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son.
• The Eastern Orthodox Church maintains that the Holy Spirit proceeds only from the Father, leading to a longstanding theological rift.

"The nyine Creed did not used to say the Holy Spirit proceeded from the father and the son it used to just say from the Father."

• The addition of "and the Son" to the Creed by the Western Church was a significant point of contention with the Eastern Orthodox Church.

"The Holy Spirit comes from both the father and the son that's why at Mass every week we say who proceeds from the father and the son and with the father and the son is adored and glorified."

• The Western theological perspective emphasizes the unity and co-equality of the Father and the Son in the procession of the Holy Spirit.

• Ecumenical councils serve as authoritative gatherings to define church teachings, but the Eastern Orthodox Church only recognizes the first seven councils.
• The Eastern Orthodox Church rejects the authority of any councils convened after the first seven, including the Second Vatican Council.
• The lack of consensus on ecumenical councils contributes to the ongoing division between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.

"The Eastern Orthodox only believe in the first seven first seven ecumenical councils way back in the fourth and fifth six centuries."

• The Eastern Orthodox Church's adherence to only the first seven ecumenical councils highlights its commitment to early church traditions and teachings.

"Both sides agree that ecumenical councils are needed to define the teachings of the church but here's the point the Eastern Orthodox only believe in the first seven."

• While both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches recognize the importance of ecumenical councils, their differing views on which councils hold authority remain a significant point of division.

• Ecumenical councils are crucial for defining Catholic Church teachings and doctrines.
• Vatican II, despite its controversies, is part of the continuous tradition of ecumenical councils recognized by Catholics.
• Rejecting Vatican II without an alternative authority leads to fragmentation similar to Protestantism.

"You can't abandon the concept of The ecumenical council... it means that it's Universal for all the Catholic to define Catholic teaching."

• The ecumenical council ensures a unified and authoritative development of Church teachings.

• The Orthodox Church does not recognize the Pope's ultimate authority, viewing him as having a Primacy of Honor rather than authority.
• The Catholic perspective emphasizes the Pope's authoritative role, rooted in biblical references to Peter's leadership.

"The idea of Primacy of Honor without Authority is not biblical... Jesus spoke to Peter every time about his relation to other Apostles he emphasized Peter's special Mission."

• Peter's role as the leader of the Apostles is highlighted as a basis for the Pope's authority in the Catholic Church.

• There are significant differences in organizational structure, doctrine, and practices between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
• The Orthodox Church lacks a centralized authority like the Pope, leading to a decentralized structure similar to Protestantism.
• Differences in practices include the use of icons, fasting disciplines, and the administration of sacraments to infants.

"The Orthodox between the Nave and the sanctuary have a big wall... it's called This is the uh word aasis aasis and this is a screen with a bunch of icons."

• The physical separation in Orthodox churches symbolizes their distinct approach to sacred spaces and worship.

• Despite differences, both Churches share foundational beliefs in Jesus, the sacraments, and the priesthood.
• Both traditions emphasize the importance of the Eucharist and a genuine priesthood.

"We believe in Jesus, we read the Bible, we go and use the sacraments especially baptism, marriage, and communion."

• Shared beliefs form the basis for ongoing dialogue and potential reconciliation between the two traditions.

• The Orthodox Church does not use terms like "Purgatory" but holds similar beliefs about purification after death.
• Liturgical practices differ, such as the sign of the cross and the language used in services (Latin vs. Greek).

"The Orthodox don't traditionally use the word Purgatory for purification... they believe in purification after death."

• Differences in terminology often mask underlying theological similarities.

• Orthodox clergy can marry if married before ordination, unlike the celibate Catholic priesthood.
• The Orthodox Church has stricter fasting and liturgical disciplines, reflecting cultural differences in religious practice.

"Orthodox they have two kinds of clergy white and black... white are married and black are monastic not married."

• The distinction in clergy reflects broader differences in lifestyle and discipline between the two traditions.

• The Orthodox Bible includes additional texts not found in the Catholic Bible, such as additional books of Maccabees.
• Historical tensions have lessened over time, with significant gestures toward reconciliation, such as the lifting of mutual excommunications in 1965.

"Paul v 6 and the patriarch of Constantinople lifted the mutual excommunications."

• Historical reconciliations highlight efforts to bridge the divide between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

• Both Churches continue to explore their shared heritage and theological differences through dialogue.
• The ongoing relationship between Catholic and Orthodox Christians is characterized by both unity in essential beliefs and diversity in practices.

"We must continue to dialogue... it doesn't mean we concede it doesn't mean we change our teaching to make other people happy but we start with knowing each other."

• Dialogue and mutual understanding are key to fostering unity within the broader Christian tradition.

• The Catholic Church acknowledges the schism that occurred when certain Eastern churches separated from the papacy, but many have since returned.
• Eastern churches that have returned to union with the Catholic Church are known as Eastern Catholic Churches.
• The Catholic Church comprises the Western Latin Rite and Eastern Catholic Churches, distinct from Eastern Orthodox Churches.

"The church teaches that when you separate yourself from the chair of Peter which was established by Jesus Christ not by man not by Catholics but by Jesus if you separate yourself from that you are in schism."

• The separation from the papacy is considered a schism within the church, as the papacy is seen as established by Jesus Christ.

"A lot of those churches came back starting in the 16th century a lot of the churches that left because of Muslim pressure they've been coming back to the Catholic Church."

• Many Eastern churches that separated have been returning to the Catholic Church since the 16th century, often due to external pressures.

• The Catholic Church consists of 24 different rites, with the Latin Rite being the most predominant.
• Eastern Catholic Churches, also called Oriental Churches, recognize the Pope's authority but maintain their own liturgies and traditions.

"There are 24 different rights in the Catholic Church 98% of the world is Latin right."

• The Catholic Church is diverse, with the Latin Rite being the most widespread among the 24 rites.

"All of the churches are of equal dignity to each other and to the western church but they are under the authority of the Pope."

• Despite differences in liturgy and culture, all churches within the Catholic Church are of equal dignity and under papal authority.

• Eastern Catholic Rites include Byzantine, Alexandrian, Syriac, Armenian, Maronite, and Chaldean, each with unique traditions and liturgies.
• These rites have historical roots and connections to early Christian communities and apostles.

"The Eastern Catholic churches who are they they are not Orthodox they are the Latin that's us the Byzantine the alexandrian the syak the Armenian the marinite and the caldian."

• Eastern Catholic Churches are distinct from Eastern Orthodox Churches and include several rites with unique historical and cultural backgrounds.

"The Byzantine liturgy was developed by St James and was modified by St basil and St John cost it is nearly identical to the Orthodox church."

• The Byzantine Rite shares similarities with the Orthodox Church, showcasing the close historical and liturgical connections.

• Many Eastern Catholic communities have faced persecution and challenges, particularly from Islamic and political pressures.
• The Coptic Christians in Egypt and Armenians in Turkey are notable examples of communities that have suffered for their faith.

"Coptic Christians they are the ones being absolutely persec Ed like nobody in the world."

• Coptic Christians in Egypt have faced severe persecution, highlighting the challenges faced by Eastern Catholic communities.

"The Turks massacred 2 million Armenians at the end of World War I you don't learn this in the history classes anymore."

• The Armenian Genocide is a significant historical event where millions of Armenians were killed, reflecting the persecution faced by these communities.

• The Pope is the spiritual leader of both Eastern and Western Catholics, and the church seeks unity among all its rites.
• The Catholic Church views itself as the original Christian church, with a direct lineage from Jesus Christ.

"The pope is The Shepherd of the both the East and the Western Catholics the Eastern ones they are completely equal in dignity with us but they submit to the authority of the papacy."

• The Pope serves as a unifying figure for all Catholic rites, maintaining authority while respecting the unique traditions of each rite.

"The original is the Catholic Church from it came the Christian other groups of Protestants and Orthodox but you can never top the original."

• The Catholic Church views itself as the original Christian tradition, from which other Christian denominations have emerged.

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer for unity among Christians, particularly between Eastern and Western Catholics.
• The ultimate goal is to bring all Christians back under the leadership of the papacy, as intended by Jesus.

"Let us pray for unification let us bring us all back to Peter as Jesus originally intended."

• The call for prayer highlights the desire for unity among all Christians, with a focus on returning to the papal leadership.

"Let us pray now for the members of these churches and and all civilians in Ukraine and Russia."

• The speaker calls for prayers for peace and unity, especially in regions affected by conflict, such as Ukraine and Russia.