Christian Traditions
The Difference Between Catholic and Orthodox
The Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches are the two oldest branches of Christianity, and they share an enormous amount: the same sacraments, apostolic succession, honour for Mary and the saints, and belief that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist. They were one church for a thousand years before drifting apart, formally in 1054, chiefly over the authority of the Pope and a phrase added to the Creed. Their differences are real but are often felt as an estrangement between kin who confess the same Christ.
What each tradition believes
Catholics and Orthodox hold much in common: seven sacraments, bishops in succession from the apostles, the Eucharist as the true body and blood of Christ, deep honour for Mary, prayer with the saints, and worship rooted in ancient liturgy. Both treasure Holy Tradition alongside Scripture and revere the early councils of the Church.
The chief difference is in how the Church is led. Catholics believe the Pope, the Bishop of Rome, holds a universal authority as successor of Peter and a visible centre of unity. The Orthodox honour him historically as first among equals but reject universal papal jurisdiction, governing instead through councils of bishops and self-ruling (autocephalous) national churches.
What they share with all Christians
What unites these two churches is far greater than what divides them. Both confess the Nicene Creed (with one disputed phrase), worship the one God, and hold to Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, in sacrament and prayer.
These are the words of the one faith the Nicene Creed puts on the lips of every Christian: one God, one Lord Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. On this the whole family stands together.
Where they genuinely differ
The Pope: the deepest difference; Catholics affirm his universal authority, the Orthodox do not. The Creed: the West added the word 'filioque' (that the Spirit proceeds from the Father 'and the Son'); the East kept the original wording and objected to the change. Certain doctrines: teachings such as purgatory and the immaculate conception of Mary were defined in the West in ways the East did not follow. Practice: smaller differences include the use of unleavened bread (West) or leavened bread (East) in communion, and different liturgical calendars.
These are honest differences, held for centuries. Yet in recent times the two churches have drawn closer in mutual respect and prayer, lifting old condemnations and calling one another sister churches. Christians hold their convictions here in good conscience, longing for the unity Christ prayed for.
How to understand both
Both a Catholic Mass and an Orthodox Divine Liturgy carry the beauty of ancient worship, though the Orthodox service is often longer, sung throughout, and offered largely standing amid icons and incense. The best way to appreciate each is to attend with a reverent, open heart, follow along, and let the worship speak. Visitors are welcome in both, though communion is normally reserved for members.
Find a congregation near you
To understand these two ancient churches, there is no substitute for standing in the worship of each. The surest way to understand any tradition is to go and see, to sit with the people, hear the Scriptures read, and meet the Christ they gather around. You are welcome.
Find a church near youCompare the traditionsCome and see
Behind every tradition is the same living Person. Denominations are the many rooms of one house; the door into all of them is Jesus Christ himself, and he still draws near to everyone who comes with an open heart. The Gospel of John is a gentle place to begin, and it costs you nothing but a little quiet and an honest look.
Read the Gospel of JohnVisit a churchJesus Christ is Lord.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the main difference between Catholic and Orthodox?
- The central difference is authority: Catholics affirm the universal authority of the Pope as successor of Peter, while the Orthodox reject universal papal jurisdiction and govern through councils of bishops and self-ruling churches. They also differ over the 'filioque' phrase in the Creed and a few doctrines and practices.
- Why did the Catholic and Orthodox churches split?
- They drifted apart over centuries and divided formally in 1054, chiefly over the authority of the Pope and the Western addition of the 'filioque' to the Nicene Creed, along with cultural and political estrangement between the Latin West and Greek East.
- Are Catholic and Orthodox the same religion?
- They are two ancient branches of the same Christian faith, sharing sacraments, apostolic succession, and belief in the same Christ. They are not in full communion with each other, but they recognise much in common and increasingly call one another sister churches.