Orthodox vs Catholic
The differences between Orthodox and Catholic can be found in several aspects, such as the belief of Mary and the acceptance of the pope. Christianity seems to be divided into the Eastern and Western churches, referred to as Orthodox and Catholics, respectively. In this context, when we mention Catholic, we are referring to the Roman Catholic church. To a casual observer or someone from another religion, Orthodox and Catholics might appear the same. However, there are differences in doctrine and authority that will be highlighted in this article. The basic beliefs and practices remain the same. It is some minor differences that crept in slowly starting from the 5th century AD that led to a great schism in 1054 AD. These differences continue to this day, even after thousands of years. Let us take a closer look.
What is Catholic?
Catholic refers to the Roman Catholic church. That is because Catholic and Roman Catholic have become synonymous. The Roman Catholic Church is the church that is headed by a pope. The Pope in Rome is the highest authority, and the Vatican is the seat of Christianity (for the Catholics). However, papal authority is on the wane, as though he is still the figurative head in the west. He cannot advise for a change of leadership in any country even if he feels that the government in a country is moving in a direction not desired by the Church.
Moreover, Latin remained the language of the Catholic Church for a long time. It is only after the second Ecumenical Council that the Catholic Church has started to use the native language for mass services. Also, the priests are not allowed to marry in the Catholic Church. It was in 1054 AD that celibacy was forced upon all priests in the Western Church. When you consider some of the beliefs of Catholics, they believe Mary to be one without original sin and hence appropriate to be the mother of the son of God.
What is Orthodox?
Orthodox more specifically refers to the Eastern Orthodox Church, which is a branch of the Catholic Church. The Pope is not recognized as supreme by the Orthodox. Eastern Orthodox recognizes bishops with archbishop as the highest authority, though he is not infallible like the Pope for the Catholics.
Also, the Orthodox Church did not accept the Roman language of Latin and preferred using native languages from the start. Regarding the belief in Mary, the Orthodox Church believes that Mary was ordinary but was chosen to be the mother of Jesus as she had led a virtuous life.
You may be surprised that even the most important events in the calendar, such as Christmas and Easter, are calculated differently by the Orthodox and Catholics. This is because the Eastern Orthodox does not recognize the Gregorian calendar formulated by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582.
What is the difference between Orthodox and Catholic?
• The Place of the Pope:
• For the Catholics, the Pope in Rome is the highest authority, and the Vatican is the seat of Christianity.
• The Pope is not recognized as supreme by the Orthodox.
• Use of Latin:
• Latin remained the language of the Catholic Church for a long time. It is only after the second Ecumenical Council that the Catholic Church has started to use the native language for mass services.
• The Orthodox Church did not accept the Roman language Latin and preferred using native languages from the start.
• Seat of Christianity:
• Western Church or the Catholics believe the Vatican in Rome to be the seat of Christianity.
• Constantinople or Istanbul is considered to be the seat of Christianity by the Orthodox.
• Views about Mary:
• Catholics believe Mary to be one without original sin and hence appropriate to be the mother of the son of God.
• The Orthodox Church believes that Mary was ordinary but was chosen to be the mother of Jesus as she had led a virtuous life.
• Preferences:
• Catholics prefer statues.
• Orthodox believe in icons instead of statues.
• Calendar:
• Catholics accept the Georgian calendar.
• Orthodox accept the Julian calendar.
• Celibacy of Priests:
• Priests are not allowed to marry in the Catholic Church.
• In Orthodox, marriage before ordination is allowed.
• Ideas about each other:
• Catholics consider Orthodox to be mystical in nature, relying far too often on spiritual practices.
• The Orthodox Church believes the Catholic Church to be legalistic and one that relies too much on speculation.
Key Takeaways
- The Pope is the highest authority for Catholics, while Orthodox does not recognize the Pope as supreme.
- Catholics believe Mary to be without original sin, while the Orthodox Church believes Mary was ordinary but chosen to be Jesus’ mother due to her virtuous life.
- Catholics traditionally used Latin in their services, while the Orthodox Church preferred native languages from the start.
