stsophia: The Church

THE GREEK (EASTERN) ORTHODOX CHURCH (Part 2)

Differences between Eastern Orthodox Church and Roman Catholic Church

The filioque which are the words “and the Son” in the creed, has been added to the symbol of faith (the creed) by the Western churches only.
The infallibility of the Pope is rejected by the Orthodox, along with the primacy of Rome’s authority over all other Christian churches.
The dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary (that Mary was born free from sin) is denied by the Orthodox. The Assumption of Mary is not required dogma for the Orthodox as it is for the Catholics.
The need for an exclusively celibate clergy is not seen by the Orthodox, who do not allow priests to marry, but allow married men to become priests.
The possibility of the extension of dogma is denied by the Orthodox. This means that the deposit of God-revealed Truth is complete, and we are to look for no new revelations regarding the fundamental reality of our Faith.
The transubstantiation explanation for how the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ is seen by the Orthodox as an inadequate attempt to understand the Mystery which cannot be limited to such intellectual categories.
The date of Easter is figured differently than in the Western Churches
The Roman doctrine of Purgatory is rejected by the Orthodox, along with those teachings which proceed from it, such as the concept of indulgences.
Original Sin is understood differently by the Orthodox, who do not see it as the inheritance of guilt passed down from generation to generation
“Low” masses are not practiced by the Orthodox, nor can an Orthodox priest celebrate the Liturgy privately. With the emphasis on the corporate nature of the Church, Orthodox priests are allowed to celebrate only one liturgy on only one alter daily.
Divorce is viewed by the Orthodox to be the result of sin, and a failure of love. However, with contrition and repentance, Orthodox Christians can be reunited to their church in full Communion after a divorce (in some cases).
Birth control has not been a subject of any formal, authoritative and universal condemnation by the Orthodox church.
No minimum standards for fasting, prayer and ethical behaviors are set by the Orthodox. The commitment to holiness and standards of practice are the same for monastic, clergy and laity. The goal is sanctity for all.
The theology of the Orthodox church defends God’s “other-ness” and thus tends to be more negative than Roman theology. While Western theologians speak of God’s attributes, the Orthodox refer to God’s “energies”, which are held to be distinct from the “essence” of the Godhead, which is Unknown.

Back

Differences between Eastern Orthodox Church and most Protestant Denominations

The filioque which are the words “and the Son” contained in the creed, has been added to the symbol of faith (the creed) by the Protestant and Roman Catholic churches only.
Holy Tradition, which is the heritage of apostolic and early Church verbal and oral teachings, is held in high esteem by the Orthodox.
The nature of the Bible - the Orthodox believe that God gave it to the Church and that the Church is the Bible’s proper context and interpreter. Individual Christians must study the Scripture in the light of what the Holy Spirit has taught to the Body of Christ.
The “Apocrypha” are sections of the Bible which the Protestants do not accept.
Holy Communion is viewed by most Protestants as a symbol only and not the actual Body and Blood of Christ as is taught by the Orthodox.
The date of Easter is figured differently than in the Western Churches
Sacraments which Orthodoxy calls “Mysteries” are rejected by some Protestants, and limited in number to 2 or 3 by others.
The nature of the Church is probably the most radical difference. Some Protestants view the Church as an assembly of individual believers. Orthodoxy understands that Church to be the Ark of Salvation, the Body of Christ and the Kingdom of God. Orthodoxy emphasizes the corporate nature of the Church.
The Garden of Eden – Orthodoxy defines Sin and the Fall differently from Protestants, rejecting the total depravity of humanity and the idea of Original Guilt.
The Incarnation of Christ holds implications for Orthodox which the Protestants reject. The Orthodox believe in the intrinsic goodness of things. This understanding impacts Orthodox teachings about icons, incense, vestments, holy water, fasting, prayer, marriage and the end of the world.
Salvation is not seen as a transaction which happens once by the Orthodox Church. It is a result of ongoing response to the Holy Spirit and constant repentance. Thus, Orthodoxy rejects predestination.
The Virgin Mary is venerated by the Orthodox, as a Bible teaches in Luke 1:46-48. We do indeed call her blessed as the Mother of God.
Death is not seen as a barrier to participation in the Kingdom of God, so the Orthodox pray for the dead and ask for the prayers of the Saints.

Back

What is the Greek Orthodox Church ?

The basic premise is that the Orthodox Church is founded upon the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The Eastern Orthodox Church functions on the following fundamental doctrines:

I. Orthodox sources of authority
     a. Holy Scripture
            1. Comprised of the writings of both the New and Old Testaments.
                  a. The New Testament reveals the human and divine nature of Jesus Christ
                        with His sacred teachings that we are charged to follow
                  b. The Old Testament is a history of the Hebrew people. It contains, among
                        other writings, the prophecies and writings of the Prophets that fortold
                        the coming of the Messiah. It therefore serves as an introduction to the
                        revelation and the saving message of the New Testament.

     b. Holy Tradition
            1. Includes Holy Scripture, writings, teachings, acts of the Apostles, saints,
                   martyrs and fathers of the church, her liturgical and sacramental traditions
                   throughout the ages, the early tradition of the early church & the decisions
                   of the Ecumenical Councils. All of this collective wisdom and experience
                   through the centuries are combined to form this second great source of
                 sacred authority.

II. The creed contains the church’s basic summary of doctrinal truths to which we
adhere as Orthodox Christians. It consists of the 12 articles of the Nicean Creed
which is recited at each Divine Liturgy.

III. There are 7 sacraments by which the Holy Spirit is imparted to us. The first 4 are
manditory: Baptism, Chrismation/Confirmation, Confession & Holy Communion.
The last 3 are optional: Matrimony, Holy Orders and Holy Unction.

IV. The church calendar begins 1 September and ends 31 August. Each day is
      sacred for the Orthodox Christian. The church venerates at least one saint or
      sacred event in the life of the church every day of the year. There are however,
      several major feast days observed annually and of these, Easter is most
      important.

V. The Divine Liturgy is the central worship service of the church and is celebrated
      each Sunday morning and on all Holy Days. The Liturgy is also the means by
      which we achieve union with Jesus Christ and unity with each other through the
      sacrament of Holy Communion.

Back