The History of Western & Eastern Church Orthodoxy

The History of Western & Eastern Church Orthodoxy

Compiled by R.E. Slater

The history of Western and Eastern Church Orthodoxy is marked by a gradual divergence in beliefs and practices, culminating in the "Great Schism" of 1054, which formally split the Christian Church into the Roman Catholic Church (West) and the Eastern Orthodox Church (East), primarily due to theological disputes, political tensions, and differing views on papal authority, with the key difference being the Western Church's addition of the "Filioque" clause to the Nicene Creed, signifying the Holy Spirit proceeding from both the Father and the Son, a concept not accepted by the East.

Key points in the history of the East-West Schism:

Early Christian Unity:

In the early centuries of Christianity, the Church was unified, with both the East (centered in Constantinople) and the West (centered in Rome) sharing the same core beliefs and practices, though cultural differences were already present.

Growing Tensions:

Over time, tensions arose regarding the authority of the Pope in Rome, particularly in the East where the Byzantine Emperor held significant influence over the Church.

Theological Disputes:

• Filioque: The most significant theological disagreement was the addition of the "Filioque" clause to the Nicene Creed by the Western Church, which stated that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son.

• Iconoclasm: The controversy surrounding the veneration of icons also contributed to the rift, with the East generally supporting iconography while the West experienced periods of iconoclasm.

The Photian Schism (9th Century):

A major turning point, where Patriarch Photius of Constantinople challenged the authority of the Pope, leading to a temporary schism.

The Great Schism (1054):

The official split occurred in 1054 when Pope Leo IX and Patriarch Michael Cerularius excommunicated each other, marking the formal separation between the Eastern and Western Churches.

Distinctive features of Eastern Orthodoxy:

• Centrality of the Eucharist: Emphasis on the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

• Iconography: Extensive use of religious icons in worship

• Synodal Structure: Decision-making power shared among bishops through councils

• Liturgical Language: Primarily in the Greek language

Distinctive features of Western Catholicism:

• Papal Primacy: The Pope is considered the head of the Church with ultimate authority

• Development of Scholastic Theology: Greater emphasis on philosophical reasoning in theological discussions

• Latin Liturgy: Primarily conducted in Latin

References

• Wikipedia - East-West Schism
• Britannica - East-West Schism: Summary, History & Effects

The Great Schism of 1054

Why the Catholic West and Orthodox East Divided

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History of Roman Catholicism & Eastern Orthodoxy

FULL SERIES: Episode 1: Origins & Early Schisms    • Christian Origins & Early Schisms   Episode 2: Roman Catholics & Eastern Orthodoxy    • History of Roman Catholicism & Easter...   Episode 3: Anglicans, Lutherans & Reformed    • History of Anglican, Lutheran & Refor...   Episode 4: Anabaptists & Quakers    • History of Anabaptists & Quakers   Episode 5: Baptists & Methodists    • History of Baptist & Methodist Churches   Episode 6: Mormons, Adventists & JWs    • History of Mormon, Adventist, and Res...   Episode 7: Pentecostals & Charismatics    • History of Holiness, Pentecostal & Ch...   Episode 8: Miscellaneous Groups    • Obscure Churches You May Not Know Exist   Check out Ready to Harvest's video here:    • What do Catholics and Orthodox Think ...  

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