God is one, God is love - these statements are familiar to us from childhood. Why then is the Church of God divided into Catholic and Orthodox? And within each direction there are many more confessions? All questions have their historical and religious answers. We will get to know some of them now.
History of Catholicism
It is clear that a Catholic is a person who professes Christianity in its offshoot called Catholicism. The name goes back to Latin and ancient Roman roots and is translated as “corresponding to everything”, “consistent with everything”, “cathedral”. That is, universal. The meaning of the name emphasizes that a Catholic is a believer belonging to that religious movement founded by Jesus Christ himself. When it originated and spread across the Earth, its followers considered each other to be spiritual brothers and sisters. Then there was one opposition: a Christian - a non-Christian (pagan, orthodox, etc.).
The western part of the Ancient Roman Empire is considered the birthplace of confessions. It was there that the words themselves appeared: This direction was formed during the entire first millennium. During this period, both spiritual texts, chants and services were the same for everyone who venerates Christ and the Trinity. And only around 1054 was the Eastern one, with its center in Constantinople, and the Catholic proper, the Western one, whose center was Rome. Since then, it has been considered that a Catholic is not just a Christian, but an adherent of precisely the Western religious tradition.
Reasons for the split
How to explain the causes of discord, which has become so deep and irreconcilable? After all, what is interesting: for a long time after the schism, both Churches continued to call themselves catholic (the same as “Catholic”), that is, universal, ecumenical. The Greek-Byzantine branch as a spiritual platform relies on the "Revelations" of John the Theologian, the Roman - "On the Epistle to the Hebrews." The first is characterized by asceticism, moral quest, "the life of the soul." For the second - the formation of iron discipline, a strict hierarchy, the concentration of power in the hands of priests of the highest ranks. Differences in the interpretation of many dogmas, rituals, church administration and others important areas church life became the watershed that separated Catholicism and Orthodoxy on different sides. Thus, if before the schism the meaning of the word Catholic was equal to the concept of "Christian", then after it it began to indicate western direction religion.
Catholicism and the Reformation
Over time, the Catholic clergy so departed from the norms that the Bible affirmed and preached that this served as the basis for the organization within the Church of such a trend as Protestantism. The spiritual and ideological basis of it was the teaching and its supporters. The Reformation gave birth to Calvinism, Anbaptism, Anglicanism and other Protestant denominations. Thus, Lutherans are Catholics, or, in other words, evangelical Christians who were against the church actively interfering in worldly affairs, so that papal prelates would go hand in hand with secular power. The sale of indulgences, the advantages of the Roman Church over the Eastern one, the abolition of monasticism - this is not a complete list of those phenomena that the followers of the Great Reformer actively criticized. In their faith, the Lutherans rely on the Holy Trinity, especially worshiping Jesus, recognizing his divine-human nature. Their main criterion of faith is the Bible. hallmark Lutheranism, like others, is a critical approach to various theological books and authorities.
On the question of the unity of the Church
However, in the light of the materials under consideration, it is not completely clear: are Catholics Orthodox or not? This question is asked by many who are not too deeply versed in theology and all sorts of religious subtleties. The answer is both simple and difficult at the same time. As already mentioned above, initially - yes. While the Church was One Christian, all those who were part of it prayed the same way, and worshiped God according to the same rules, and used common rituals. But even after the separation, each - both Catholic and Orthodox - consider themselves the main successors of the heritage of Christ.
Interchurch relations
At the same time, they treat each other with sufficient respect. Thus, the Decree of the Second Vatican Council notes that those people who accept Christ as their God, believe in him and were baptized, are considered Catholics as brothers in faith. It also has its own documents, also confirming that Catholicism is a phenomenon whose nature is related to the nature of Orthodoxy. And the differences in dogmatic postulates are not so fundamental that both Churches are at enmity with each other. On the contrary, relations between them should be built in such a way as to serve the common cause together.
Christianity is the world's largest religion in terms of the number of believers. His followers live on all continents.
However, there is no integrity in religion. It consists of three main branches - Catholicism, Orthodoxy, Protestantism.
In contact with
Classmates
The history of the split
In the early period of its existence Christian church represented a unified whole. Believers performed the same rites, recognized the same theological traditions. After the division of the Roman Empire into two parts: Western and Eastern, a gradual transformation of the general religious organization began. In Constantinople, its own religious center was formed, headed by the patriarch. The initial close cooperation between the leaders of the Roman and Constantinopolitan branches was replaced by rivalry. As a result, the church split into two parts. Relations were officially broken off in 1054.. There were three good reasons for this:
- The declaration of the Catholic Pope of Rome as the head of the entire Christian Church.
- Rome's claim to leadership in world Christianity.
- Making changes to the text, which the Eastern believers considered inviolable.
The clergy of both Christian branches anathematized each other. It was officially abolished only in 1964. However, the schism in the church has not been eliminated. The centuries-old isolated existence led to the formation of noticeable differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism in theology, sacraments, and religious paraphernalia.
The number of believers and the geography of confessions
Eastern Christians, after the separation, they began to call the western branch the Greek word "catholikos" ("universal"). Currently, Catholicism is the most massive of the Christian churches. Its adherents make up over 1.2 billion people. Catholics recognize as their supreme head the Pope, who is called the vicar of God on Earth.
The followers of Eastern Rite Christianity are called orthodox (“correct”) or Orthodox by Catholics. There are approximately 200 million of them in the world. Orthodoxy became widespread among the Slavic peoples of the CIS countries, as well as in a number of European countries. The Orthodox Church is divided into 15 local churches and has no unified leadership. Orthodox Christians call Jesus Christ the head of the church.
Differences
Theology
For clergy and laity Creed is paramount. This is the main dogma of Christianity, on which all dogma is based. Both denominations recognize the trinity of God, incarnated in the image of the Holy Trinity:
- Father;
- Son;
However, the Orthodox believe that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father. Catholics believe that it is equally inherent in both the Father and the Son.
The view on the Mother of God - the Virgin Mary is also different.. In the understanding of Orthodox believers, Mary was born and died like ordinary people.
After death, she was taken to heaven. She is glorified, first of all, as the Mother of God.
For Catholics, the Mother of God is originally holy and sinless. They believe that her birth was blameless, like that of Jesus Christ. In addition, the Virgin Mary was taken up to heaven alive when her earthly life came to an end. The cult of the Virgin Mary is extremely widespread in Western countries. In both denominations, believers recite the "Hail Mary" ("Ave Maria") prayer, but with a noticeable difference in form.
Orthodox think that after death, according to their deeds, a person goes to heaven (for the righteous) or hell (for sinners). Catholics, in addition, distinguish purgatory- the place where souls dwell after Doomsday, waiting for paradise.
In matters of faith, Eastern Christians recognize the commandments adopted at the first 7 Ecumenical Councils before the collapse common church. Western Christians follow the decrees of all past Ecumenical Councils. The last, 21st Ecumenical Council, which was convened in 1962, allowed services to be held in Catholic churches in national languages along with Latin.
Included in Catholic Bibles 7 more apocryphal (non-canonical) books located between the Old and New Testaments. IN Orthodox Bible 9 . Christians believe they were inspired by the Word of God.
Construction of temples, service regulations, clergy
The differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism are clearly visible in the arrangement of churches, the rules for conducting church services.
Orthodox cathedrals have a traditional the orientation of the altar to the east towards Jerusalem. The inner part of the altar is separated from the temple premises by an iconostasis. Only priests are allowed to enter the altar. The arrangement of the internal space in the churches differs in the location of the altar. He, sometimes, stands in the central part and is separated from the general space with the help of a partition.
For the Orthodox, the main daily service is called Divine Liturgy, and among Catholics it is called the Mass. Eastern Christians stand during a church service, showing their humility before God. To demonstrate unconditional submission to God's Will, believers kneel. In Catholic churches, it is customary to listen to the priest's sermon while sitting on the benches. During prayers, the laity stand on special stands.
Both churches agree on the need for clergy as a conductor between God and people. In the orthodox denomination, the clergy are divided into 2 groups. "White" clergy are those who have parishes under their control and marry. "Black" - those who take the vow of celibacy, monastics. Higher ranks elected exclusively from among the "black" clergy. IN Catholic world All priests take a vow of celibacy (celibacy) before taking office.
Sacraments
From birth to death, Catholics and Orthodox are accompanied by 7 sacred sacraments:
- baptism;
- chrismation;
- eucharist();
- confession;
- wedding;
- unction;
- ordination (ordination to the dignity).
In Catholicism, it is generally accepted that the sacrament has power regardless of the desire or mental disposition of a person. Orthodox priests hold the exact opposite view - the sacrament is invalid if a person is not attuned to it.
When performing rituals, significant differences are noticeable. During the christening Orthodox faith a person is completely immersed in water. Western Christians practice water sprinkling. Confirmation in Orthodoxy immediately follows baptism. Catholics arrange a separate ceremony - confirmation, when a child reaches a conscious age (10-13 years). Unction, that is, anointing with oil, is also different. For the Orthodox, it is carried out over a sick person, and for Catholics, over a dying person.
Communion is a meal of bread and wine. By eating them, Christians remember the death of Jesus on the cross. Communion in the two Christian denominations differs markedly. Catholic priests distribute to the laity thin flatbreads of unleavened bread called wafers. Communion with wine and bread is awarded only to the clergy. Orthodox believers receive wine, bread, warm water at the moment of communion. Yeast dough is used for baking bread.
It turned out differently attitude towards marriage in two faiths. For Catholics, marriage is indissoluble. By Orthodox canons, in the case of a confirmed fact of adultery, the injured spouse has the right to conclude a new marriage.
As a sign of reverence for the Holy Trinity, Christians make the sign of the cross at the entrance and exit from the temple. The methods of baptism are different. Orthodox believers traditionally lay the cross with three pinched fingers, from right to left. Catholics perform the sign in the opposite direction. They can be baptized with folded fingers or with an open palm.
Holidays and fasting
Christmas, Easter and Pentecost- the most respected Christian holidays. In the Western and Eastern denominations, they adhere to different systems of chronology, therefore the dates of the holidays do not coincide. The difference concerns, first of all, Easter and Christmas. Light Offensive Christ's Resurrection calculated according to the calendar, so in 70% of cases it will be different. Orthodox Christians traditionally celebrate Christmas on January 7, and Catholics on December 25. Each church has its own revered holidays.
The date of the beginning of Great Lent in Catholicism is considered to be Ash Wednesday, and in Orthodoxy - Clean Monday.
paraphernalia
The main symbolic sign of Christianity is the cross. It symbolizes the crucifixion on which Jesus Christ took death torments. Appearance The cross and the image of Christ on it are very different in different denominations.
Catholics have a cross with four ends. The Orthodox have 8-end, because they exactly copy the crucifix. Three vertical bars have been added to the main vertical bar. The upper one symbolizes a tablet with the inscription "Jesus of the Nazarene, King of the Jews." The lower one served as a support for the legs. It is called the “righteous measure”: one side is raised as a sign of repentance of the robber who believed in the Mission, and the other side is lowered to the ground, indicating hell for the second villain.
On catholic crosses Christ is depicted as a man enduring unthinkable suffering. His feet are nailed with one nail. On an orthodox cross, Jesus looks like a man who has overcome death. His feet are nailed individually.
The way of depicting Jesus Christ, the Virgin, saints, scenes on biblical stories. Orthodox iconography adheres to strict canonical requirements. In Catholicism, a more free treatment with drawing a picture. Differences also affected the use of sculptures. They prevail in churches, and in churches they are practically non-existent.
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 orthodox religion, at the moment professes 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 Rus' 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 Rus'. 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, in relation to the Church towards the population in 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.
Catholicism is currently 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 Protestant churches conducts an active peacekeeping 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 Testament There are often even mutually exclusive differences. In some cases, the methods of conducting various kinds of rites and sacraments do not converge.
Orthodoxy | Catholicism | Protestantism |
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Control | Patriarch, Cathedral | World Council of Churches, Councils of Bishops |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Sometimes allowed | Forbidden | Allowed but frowned upon |
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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 Virgin to Heaven physical body refers to dogma | The cult of the Virgin Mary is denied |
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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 |
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Marriage of clergy | Allowed | Only allowed in the Byzantine Rite | Allowed |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Old Testament | Recognized as Hebrew and Greek | Greek only | Only Jewish canonical |
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Absolution | The ceremony is performed by a priest | Not allowed |
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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 a long time ago, and, apparently, not one of the churches can resolve these contradictions. special desire does not express.
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 may differ, Mother of God, saints, etc.
Below are the main differences.
The main difference Orthodox icons from Catholic 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 magic ritual acting 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 ancient traditions established by the Byzantine priests.
The difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism (the crosses worn on the body, like large ones, may contain the image of an “orthodox” or “Western” Christ) in relation to the performance 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 bit. 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 officially establish 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 Immortal life for the righteous are inevitable.
Is the most major direction V .
It has received the greatest distribution in Europe (Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Austria, Belgium, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary), in Latin America and the USA. To one degree or another, Catholicism is widespread in almost all countries of the globe. Word "Catholicism" comes from the Latin - "universal, universal." After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the church remained the only centralized organization and force capable of stopping the onset of chaos. This led to the political rise of the church and its influence on the formation of the states of Western Europe.
Features of the dogma "Catholicism"
Catholicism has a number of features in the doctrine, cult and structure of the religious organization, which reflected specific features development of Western Europe. Holy Scripture is recognized as the foundation of faith and Holy Tradition. All books included in the Latin translation of the Bible (Vulgate) are considered canonical. Only the clergy are entitled to interpret the text of the Bible. Sacred Tradition is formed by the decisions of the 21st Ecumenical Council (recognizes only the first seven), as well as the judgments of the popes on ecclesiastical and secular problems. The clergy take a vow of celibacy - celibacy, thus, it becomes, as it were, partaker of divine grace, which separates it from the laity, whom the church likened to a herd, and the clergy were assigned the role of shepherds. The Church helps the laity to achieve salvation at the expense of the treasury of good deeds, i.e. a surplus of good deeds done by Jesus Christ, the Mother of God and the saints. As the vicar of Christ on earth, the pope manages this treasury of overdue deeds, distributing them among those who need them. This practice, called distribution indulgences, was subjected to fierce criticism from Orthodoxy and led to a split in Catholicism, the emergence of a new direction in Christianity -.
Catholicism follows the Nicene-Tsargrad Creed, but creates its own understanding of a number of dogmas. On Toledo Cathedral in 589, an addition was made to the Creed about the procession of the Holy Spirit not only from God the Father, but also from God the Son (lat. filioque- and from the Son). Until now, this understanding has been the main obstacle to the dialogue between the Orthodox and Catholic churches.
A feature of Catholicism is also the sublime veneration of the Mother of God - the Virgin Mary, the recognition of the dogmas of her immaculate conception and bodily ascension, in accordance with which Holy Mother of God was taken to heaven "with soul and body for the glory of heaven." In 1954, a special holiday dedicated to the "Queen of Heaven" was established.
Seven sacraments of Catholicism
In addition to the common Christian doctrine of the existence of heaven and hell, Catholicism recognizes the doctrine of purgatory as an intermediate place where the soul of the sinner is cleansed, passing through severe trials.
committing sacraments- the ritual actions adopted in Christianity, with the help of which special grace is transmitted to believers, in Catholicism is distinguished by a number of features.
Catholics, like the Orthodox, recognize seven sacraments:
- baptism;
- communion (eucharist);
- priesthood;
- repentance (confession);
- chrismation (confirmation);
- marriage;
- unction (unction).
The sacrament of baptism is performed by dousing with water, chrismation or confirmation - when the child reaches the age of seven - eight years, and in Orthodoxy - immediately after baptism. The sacrament of communion among Catholics is performed on unleavened bread, and among the Orthodox - on leavened bread. Until recently, only the clergy took communion with wine and bread, and the laity only with bread. The sacrament of unction - a prayer service and the anointing of a sick or dying person with special oil - oil - in Catholicism is considered as a church blessing to the dying, and in Orthodoxy - as a way to heal the disease. Divine services in Catholicism until recently were performed exclusively in Latin, which made it completely incomprehensible to believers. Only II Vatican Council(1962-1965) allowed services in national languages as well.
Extremely developed in Catholicism is the veneration of saints, martyrs, blessed, whose ranks are constantly increasing. The center of cult and ritual rituals is the temple, decorated with paintings and sculptures on religious themes. Catholicism actively uses all means of aesthetic influence on the feelings of believers, both visual and musical.
Faith in God is individual for each person. Someone believes from a young age, someone comes to her in his declining years. Everyone has their own reasons that lead a person to religious beliefs. Based on this belief(V Higher Power) exists in the world a large number of religions. The most numerous among them: Orthodoxy, Catholicism. There are about 2 billion followers these teachings around the world, their representation can be found in any country on the planet.
What difference Catholic, Orthodox churches? What does the Bible say about each of their religions? Detailed in the article.
What is the Catholic Church
Catholic(Roman Catholic) - the largest structure in the world, numbering about 1.3 billion followers. This is one of oldest organizations with a centralized structure on the planet, which for many centuries has influenced the development of the civilization of Western countries. Its structure includes 23 Eastern Catholic.
The name comes from ancient Greek, in translation it means "around the world", "universal".
The definition was mentioned in the writings of the 2nd century, after the collapse of a single church into 2 parts: catholic in the West(center - Rome), Orthodox in the East(center - Constantinople).
The only head Pope. He possesses absolute power does everything right. In Catholicism there is dogma of papal infallibility. All of them are under the same leadership.
The concept of the Orthodox Church
Orthodox(Christian) - the second largest religious structure in the world, numbering 300,000,000 like-minded people. Its unity is based on the common recognition of faith in Jesus Christ. It consists of local (autonomous, patriarchates) with a central head:
- Autonomous: Russian, Georgian, Ukrainian, Greek.
- Patriarchates: Moscow, Constantinople.
There is no single chapter.
Holiness comes from God the Father, which is not subject to destruction by the sins of those who pray. She has universal power, indestructibility, apostolicity, as it is based on the teachings of the apostles sent by God to teach people the faith.
Local - independent of the central, but stay with it in one doctrine, are included in common centralized structure.
Widespread in the Eastern part of Eurasia.
Ritual and canonical differences
Religions are located in different countries, parts of the world, therefore they differ in the type of worship, rituals:
- Orthodox priest in prayer, speaks of himself as " witness of God', while in Catholicism, empowered"baptize people", "perform the Sacrament";
- in Catholic churches altar without iconostasis;
- in Catholicism widespread portrait iconography(Jesus Christ, Holy Mary), among Christians - Saints are depicted in heaven, with God, therefore blue, blue tones depicting the sky predominate in the icons;
- various structures. Catholicism is the unified authority of the Pope of Rome, Orthodoxy is preserving the sacrament of dogmas and laws;
- Pope of Rome - infallible. He cannot commit unrighteous deeds because he is vicar of God;
- In Orthodoxy, infallibility is inherent decisions of the Ecumenical Council- a general meeting of representatives of patriarchates, independent churches.
Similarities in churches
The main similarity of religious structures - belief in one Almighty God, in his son Jesus Christ. God, who will give hope, restore faith in oneself, strengthen the health of loved ones, relatives, dear people praying, forgive all unrighteous deeds, give consolation, patience, give faith in a blessed future. Believe, pray, and God will hear you, help you - single concept of 2 religions.
Visiting churches, services, following the advice, instructions of the clergy, observing the Biblical laws is a must!
The difference between Catholics and Orthodox
Table 1 - Main differences:
| difference | Orthodoxy | Catholicism |
| Structure | Separate patriarchates, churches | All obey the Pope |
| Faith in infallibility | Ecumenical Councils (general meetings) | Pope |
| Symbol of faith | The Holy Trinity is inseparable (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) | Holy Spirit - from the Father, the Son |
| Attitude to divorces, weddings | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Confession | Personally with Father | The face of a clergyman closed with a special partition so as not to embarrass the confessor |
| Indulgence (buying the forgiveness of future sin) | No concept | Eat |
| Purgatory | Private judgment on the soul after death | Exists |
| Name of the priest | Father, father (name of the clergyman) | Holy father |
| worship | Liturgy | Mass |
| cleansing | Bread, wine | Bread, wafer |
| The Prayer of the Believers | standing, promotes the greatest concentration of actions | sitting |
| Celibacy | monks | All clergy |
| Holiday differences | Holy Mother of God, Trinity, Palm Sunday, etc. | Heart of Jesus, Immaculate Heart of Mary, etc. |
| Type of cross | Four bars on a cross | One (two) bars |
| Celebration of major holidays | Christmas with 6 to 7 January | Christmas celebration from December 24-25 |
| How Believers Are Baptized | Right hand 3d fingers from right to left | 5 fingers open hand from left to right |
conclusions
Both religions united by faith in a Higher Power(God) who possesses unlimited power, the ability to forgive everything, to help the one who asks.
The teaching of his messenger Jesus Christ is one. Therefore, despite the difference in rites, religions, both churches preach one teaching.
To choose a religion for yourself, you need to visit the churches of both representations, read their teachings, dogmas, talk with the clergy. They will help to clarify the questions that have arisen during the study, about the religious organization, to deal with the teachings.
Need to come to church consciously, by yourself. Everyone has their own age, reasons. There is no point in forcing it.
Only self-awareness of the need for faith for a person will help him to delve deeper into religion, become closer to God, become purer in soul and thoughts.
Watch a video about the differences between the Christian and Catholic churches:
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