The Eastern Orthodox Church is opposed to the Roman Catholic doctrine of papal supremacy . While not denying that some form of primacy could exist for the Bishop of Rome, Orthodox Christians argue that the tradition of Rome’s primacy in the early Church was not equivalent to the current doctrine of supremacy.
How do Orthodox view the Pope?
The Catholic Church believes the pope to be infallible in matters of doctrine. Orthodox believers reject the infallibility of the pope and consider their own patriarchs , too, as human and thus subject to error. In this way, they are similar to Protestants, who also reject any notion of papal primacy.
Does the Eastern Orthodox Church recognize the Pope?
The church has no central doctrinal or governmental authority analogous to the bishop of Rome (Pope), but the ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople is recognised by all bishops as primus inter pares (“first among equals”) and regarded as the representative and spiritual leader of Eastern Orthodox Christians.
How did the Roman Catholic Church view the power of the Pope?
Papal supremacy is the doctrine of the Catholic Church that the Pope, by reason of his office as Vicar of Christ, the visible source and foundation of the unity both of the bishops and of the whole company of the faithful , and as pastor of the entire Catholic Church, has full, supreme, and universal power over the ...
What did the Eastern Orthodox Church believe in?
Essentially the Orthodox Church shares much with the other Christian Churches in the belief that God revealed himself in Jesus Christ, and a belief in the incarnation of Christ, his crucifixion and resurrection . The Orthodox Church differs substantially in the way of life and worship.
Why don t the Orthodox have a pope?
The Eastern Orthodox Church is opposed to the Roman Catholic doctrine of papal supremacy . While not denying that some form of primacy could exist for the Bishop of Rome, Orthodox Christians argue that the tradition of Rome’s primacy in the early Church was not equivalent to the current doctrine of supremacy.
Which is older Catholic or Orthodox?
Therefore the Catholic Church is the oldest of all . The Orthodox represents the original Christian Church because they trace their bishops back to the five early patriarchates of Rome, Alexandria, Jerusalem, Constantinople and Antioch.
What power did the pope have?
Unlike any other religious leader, the pope can send and receive ambassadors and sign international treaties . The nuncios, who are usually also archbishops, represent the pope to more than 180 countries and organisations.
Why is the pope so powerful?
The pope is considered one of the world’s most powerful people due to the extensive diplomatic, cultural, and spiritual influence of his position on both 1.3 billion Catholics and those outside the Catholic faith, and because he heads the world’s largest non-government provider of education and health care, with a vast ...
Can the pope sin?
So according to Catholicism, an immoral pope (you’ll find several in Church history) can sin like any man and will answer to God for his evil deeds. However, as supreme head of the Church, the pope retains his infallibility on matters of faith and morals as long as he remains pope.
How is Orthodox different from Christianity?
Essentially the Orthodox Church shares much with the other Christian Churches in the belief that God revealed himself in Jesus Christ, and a belief in the incarnation of Christ, his crucifixion and resurrection. The Orthodox Church differs substantially in the way of life and worship .
Can Orthodox priests marry?
Under Orthodox rules, a celibate priest cannot marry after ordination , and a non-celibate priest cannot remarry and remain a priest, even if his wife dies, he said. Widowers who remain celibate can become bishops, but that’s happened just once.
How is Greek Orthodox different from Catholic?
The difference between Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholics is that for the Roman Catholics, the Pope is infallible and has complete authority over the churches whereas, in Greek Orthodox churches, the pope is not infallible .
Is the pope the head of the Orthodox Church?
Following the traditions of the church, the pope is chairman and head of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox
Why did Catholicism split from Christianity?
The Great Schism came about due to a complex mix of religious disagreements and political conflicts . One of the many religious disagreements between the western (Roman) and eastern (Byzantine) branches of the church had to do with whether or not it was acceptable to use unleavened bread for the sacrament of communion.
Can you be Catholic and Orthodox?
Most Orthodox Churches allow marriages between members of the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church . ... Because the Catholic Church respects their celebration of the Mass as a true sacrament, intercommunion with the Eastern Orthodox in “suitable circumstances and with Church authority” is both possible and encouraged.
