What is the difference between Catholic and Orthodox?

Catholics and Eastern Orthodox share most of the ancient Christian faith, including apostolic succession, the Eucharist, devotion to Mary and the saints, and seven sacraments. The central unresolved division concerns the authority of the pope in the universal Church.

What Catholics and Orthodox share. Both confess the Trinity, Christ’s true divinity and humanity, the authority of Scripture within apostolic Tradition, and the teachings of the early ecumenical councils. Both possess bishops ordained in apostolic succession and a valid priesthood and Eucharist. Because these bonds are so deep, the Catholic Church says that the Orthodox Churches are joined to her by a very close, though imperfect, communion (CCC 838). Their celebration of the Eucharist truly builds up the Church of God (CCC 1399).

The authority of the pope. Orthodox Christians generally honor the Bishop of Rome as having held a primacy among the ancient patriarchs, but they reject the Catholic doctrine that the pope possesses full and universal authority over the whole Church. Catholic teaching holds that Christ gave Peter a unique office among the apostles and that this office continues in Peter’s successors (Mt 16:18-19; Jn 21:15-17). The pope is the visible source of unity among the bishops, while bishops remain true successors of the apostles rather than papal delegates (CCC 880-882).

Other doctrinal differences. Catholics and Orthodox have disputed the Latin Creed’s phrase Filioque, which says that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father “and the Son.” Catholic teaching safeguards the Father as the first origin while affirming the Son’s eternal relation in the Spirit’s procession (CCC 246-248). Catholic and Orthodox authorities have also differed over purgatory, the Immaculate Conception, and later Catholic dogmatic definitions. Some disagreements involve language and theological method, while others remain substantial. They should not all be treated as identical.

Differences in discipline. Eastern Orthodox Churches ordinarily ordain married men to the priesthood, although bishops are celibate. Eastern Catholic Churches may do the same. Orthodox practice regarding divorce and remarriage differs from Catholic doctrine, which holds that a valid sacramental marriage cannot be dissolved by any human power (CCC 1640). Differences in liturgy, vestments, calendars, and spirituality are usually legitimate traditions rather than causes of division.

The Catholic hope. The division between Catholic and Orthodox Christians is a grave wound in the Body of Christ. Catholics should neither dismiss Orthodox Christianity nor pretend full communion already exists. Pray for restored unity, learn from the Eastern Christian tradition, and follow the Church’s rules concerning sacramental sharing.