What Makes Eastern Orthodox Different?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The Orthodox Church differs substantially from the other Churches in the way of life and worship , and in certain aspects of theology. The Holy Spirit is seen as present in and as the guide to the Church working through the whole body of the Church, as well as through priests and bishops.

What are the major differences between Eastern Orthodox and Western Christianity?

While worshiping, the Western Church promotes kneeling position in prayer while Eastern Orthodox places of worship have normally standing followers. Unleavened bread (made without yeast) is utilized as a part of Roman church customs, while the Orthodox Church utilizes leavened bread.

What is a major difference between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church?

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.

What are the characteristics of the Eastern Orthodox Church?

Eastern Orthodoxy, official name Orthodox Catholic Church, one of the three major doctrinal and jurisdictional groups of Christianity. It is characterized by its continuity with the apostolic church, its liturgy, and its territorial churches.

Why is the Eastern Orthodox cross different?

The Russian Orthodox cross differs from the Western cross. Thus bottom bar of the cross is like the scale of justice and its points show the way to the Hell and Heaven . ... Another interesting fact is that the upper point of the slanted beam always show the way to the North.

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 are the Eastern Orthodox Christianity beliefs?

Eastern Orthodox Christians believe in a single God who is both three and one (triune); the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, “one in essence and undivided”. The Holy Trinity is three “unconfused” and distinct divine persons (hypostases), who share one divine essence (ousia); uncreated, immaterial and eternal.

Can a Catholic go to an Orthodox Church?

Thus, a member of the Russian Orthodox Church attending the Divine Liturgy in a Greek Orthodox Church will be allowed to receive communion and vice versa but, although Protestants, non-Trinitarian Christians, or Catholics may otherwise fully participate in an Orthodox Divine Liturgy, they will be excluded from ...

How is Orthodox different from Christianity?

The Orthodox Church differs substantially from the other Churches in the way of life and worship , and in certain aspects of theology. The Holy Spirit is seen as present in and as the guide to the Church working through the whole body of the Church, as well as through priests and bishops.

Does the Orthodox Church use the rosary?

The number of beads varies by religion or use. ... Roman Catholics use the Rosary (Latin “rosarium”, meaning “rose garden”) with 59 beads. However, Eastern Orthodox Christians use a knotted prayer rope called either a komboskini or chotki , with 100 knots, although prayer ropes with 50 or 33 knots can also be used.

Which religion is Orthodox?

Eastern Orthodox Church Type Eastern Christian Scripture Septuagint, New Testament Theology Eastern Orthodox theology Polity Episcopal

Do Eastern Orthodox believe in purgatory?

While the Eastern Orthodox Church rejects the term purgatory , it acknowledges an intermediate state after death and before final judgment, and offers prayer for the dead. ... Also, the Orthodox Church does not believe in indulgences as remissions from purgatorial punishment.

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.

Do Orthodox Christians wear crucifix?

Crosses are often worn as an indication of commitment to the Christian faith, and are sometimes received as gifts for rites such as baptism and confirmation. Communicants of the Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox Churches are expected to wear their baptismal cross necklaces at all times .

Do Orthodox have crucifixes?

Catholic (both Eastern and Western), Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Moravian, Anglican and Lutheran Christians generally use the crucifix in public religious services . ... In the Russian Orthodox Church a large crucifix (“Golgotha”) is placed behind the Holy Table (altar).

Where does the Orthodox cross come from?

The Russian Orthodox cross or Orthodox cross is a variation of the Christian cross since the 16th century in Russia , although it bears some similarity to a cross with a bottom crossbeam slanted the other way (upwards) found since the 6th century in the Byzantine Empire.

Amira Khan
Author
Amira Khan
Amira Khan is a philosopher and scholar of religion with a Ph.D. in philosophy and theology. Amira's expertise includes the history of philosophy and religion, ethics, and the philosophy of science. She is passionate about helping readers navigate complex philosophical and religious concepts in a clear and accessible way.