When looking out over Christianity, most first look to the number of denominations within its ranks. (As a point of fact, all religions have denominations; this isn’t exclusive to Christianity). One of the most intriguing histories remains the differences between the Eastern Orthodox Churches and the Roman Catholic Church (Eastern and Western Rites). To the untrained eye, the two can appear to have much in common. They are both rooted in antiquity, both embody tradition, and both have a sense of mystery around their rites. What separates them, and why does it matter?
How it all started
To say there was ever a time in history when there was “one unified worldwide” church is a bit misleading (at least in the way we think of such). In the early church, there were a number of small sects, each with their own cultural flair. Early groups centered around the teaching of an early apostle. For example, the Apostle Matthew‘s group had a Jewish flair to it, the Apostle Paul worked primarily among Greek communities, the Apostle John‘s community was highly influenced by Greek culture, and so on. There were well-known and not-so-well-known apostles alike, all of which were influential in the establishment and continuity of the church in different regions. Each community embraced its own understanding of text, worship style, and influence. While certain beliefs were universal and the church was called to work as one, there were always differences among communities of believers.
This means there were allowances for non-essential differences from the very beginning. In the centuries that followed, there were a few major seats for cultural differences. The Roman Empire became a powerful influence among the church of the western world, as Christianity became the state religion. The near-orient world (near Asia and north Africa) had Roman, Greek, Indian, and African influences. The Eastern Rite, or the church of the eastern half of the Roman Empire, was strongly influenced by Greek culture. These differences influenced worship style, theological views, and traditions down through the ages.
The division
None of this might sound like matters for division, but over time, they became relevant. There wasn’t one specific reason why the churches divided, except to say that there were always dividing points within their ranks. For starters, The Oriental Orthodox bodies moved away from other denominations as early as the 400s, maintaining their ancient practices to this very day. The Roman Catholic Church began somewhere in the 700s, thus marking a change between the churches of the east and west. The Eastern and Western rites did not formally divide until 1054, after long attempts to try and reconcile their differences.
The papacy
The major issue dividing Catholic and Orthodox was the role of the pope. As western Christianity became larger-than-life through the advance of the Holy Roman Empire (800-1808), the Bishop of Rome became a figurehead not just over Roman territories, but over the church at large. The Eastern Rite took objection with this power trip, feeling that the Bishop of Rome was nothing more than one of the recognized patriarchs over different portions of the church. Refusing to accept his edicts over the Eastern Rite led to the continued pursuit of a more Greek-influenced spirituality throughout the Byzantine Empire.
Icons and statues
The Roman Rite’s influences include the practices of pagan Europe and Roman politics and structure. the Eastern Rite’s influences were Greek culture, including spirituality and philosophical interpretations. Other issues of note included the dispute of using icons versus three-dimensional statues (Roman) in worship. An icon is a flat, two-dimensional image of Jesus, Mary, or saints, believed to be that individual in their “glorified,” or heavenly state. Orthodox believers hold great reverence for icons, seeing them as windows of heaven. Even though they revere these images in a similar manner to the way Catholics revere statues, the Eastern Rite regard statues as idols. Roman Catholics, on the other hand, do not reject icons, but embrace the use of statues in worship.
The Filioque clause
The early centuries of Christianity were full of theological disputes, most of which related to ontology, or the philosophy of being. Given we, as human beings can’t understand everything about God, we also can’t define everything about God’s nature in a theological statement. Whether it was disputes about the nature and wills present in Christ, the number of beings in Christ, or trying to define the Godhead in a theological word (Monarchy, Trinity, Oneness, etc.), these disputes lasted hundreds of years. (In some ways, they continue among different denominations). An example of these disputes is the Filioque Clause. The Filioque Clause is the addition of the words “and the Son” as found in a line within the Nicene Creed:
“We believe in the Holy Spirit/the Lord, the giver of life, Who proceeds from the Father and the Son.”
The Eastern Rite rejects – and does not include – the words “and the Son” at the end of that line. They feel it blurs the identities of the Godhead and distorts the individuality of each person found therein. The Western Rite feels there is no contradiction, and embraces the clause in their creed.
Other issues
Obviously, there are differences between the creeds of the east and the west, bound by different theologies. Other differences include monastic traditions vs. religious orders, different mystical practices, the ability for clergy to marry, the use of leavened or unleavened bread in communion, and the languages used in liturgies. The Western Rite developed the liturgical tradition of the mass (spoken), while the Eastern Rite developed the Divine Liturgy (chanted). While both have elements in common, the two reflect different cultural and traditional embodiment in their practice.
Roman Catholicism
It’s not possible to discuss the entirety of either denomination in full through this column, save very brief words contrasting the two. The Roman Catholic Church (the Western Rite) embodies a structure borrowed from the Roman Empire. Its theological and philosophical views are often interpreted through Greek philosophical revivals throughout the Roman Empire (and later European movements). Catholics today identify with Rome, believing the pope is the chair of peter and seat for authentic succession, all the way back to the apostles of the first century. (It’s worth stating this is a tradition rather than a fact, as history doesn’t support the view.)
With elements of a folk religion (traditional elements emerging from pre-literacy periods), much of Catholic view varies depending on the part of the world where you are and the different traditions of saintly or miraculous devotions found there. They are called “Catholic” because it means “worldwide,” and they see their unifying point in papal allegiance, regardless of location. Catholic clergy are forbidden to marry (with the exception of deacons). Monks and nuns belong to any one of a variety of religious orders, all with specific rules and practices. There is also the option of “third orders” in some groups which allow married persons.
Orthodoxy
Orthodox Churches (the Eastern Rite) refer to themselves as such because the word “Orthodox” means “right teaching.” They contrast themselves with Roman Catholicism and al other churches, insisting they are the original church. They believe every other Christian church is in schism with them. Unlike Catholicism, Orthodoxy isn’t centralized in power. They do not have a centralized leader, and they do not acknowledge the authority of the pope. Orthodoxy embraces the work of bishops, deacons, and priests. Patriarchs are traditional, ancient areas of governance, overseen by a Patriarch (a role kind of like an archbishop).
Most Orthodox churches are ethnic in nature, especially in Eastern Europe. These identities (such as Russian, Bulgarian, Ukrainian, etc.) indicate the language of the liturgy as much as their own unique folk customs that are part of their practice. Orthodox clergy are permitted to marry, as long as one is married prior to ordination. Bishops must remain unmarried. All monks and nuns are part of one central monastic tradition, and must remain celibate.
Insights on the division
The Eastern and Western Rites often appear alike to outsiders. They both embody tradition, liturgy, folk customs, and elaborate legal structures. Greater study shows their differences. Notable differences include imagery, clerical robes, church structures, and attitudes about faith. Their differences, however, are much deeper than the superficial. The Orthodox Church has a markedly more mystical feel, understanding redemption and salvation differently than the Roman Catholic Church does. Roman Catholicism has a far more political feel and presence, and is far more of a world power and influence.
The Eastern and Western Rites have a long history of bitter opposition and dialogue. Their initial schisms have caused both churches to regard the other as bearers of heresy, breaking from the true line of succession, even though history – especially the more we study about the early centuries of Christianity – doesn’t support their viewpoints. Unable to resolve their doctrinal, cultural, and social differences, the Eastern and Western Rites remain at odds to this very day.
For more on the Great Schism, check out my book, Readings and Outlines in Church History, Vol. 2: Middle Church History!
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