The Creed is the main difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism. The Orthodox describe in their teachings that the Holy Spirit comes from God the Father, while Catholics believe that from God the Father and from God the Son. Differences in doctrine are an obstacle to the unification of religion, which should not become a reason for mutual hatred and enmity.
The division of the Christian Church into Western and Eastern occurred after the political split in the Roman Empire in the 9th century. The Pope concentrated in his hands ecclesiastical and secular power in the West. In the East, mutual understanding and mutual respect of the two branches of government - the Emperor and the Church - still reigned.
The unity of believers in Christianity was finally broken in 1054. This date is the time of the formation of the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Western Catholic Church. The moment of division of the universal faith is reflected in the various creeds of the West and the East.
Orthodoxy
For the Orthodox, the head of the church is Jesus Christ. Here, the territorial division into independent local churches is preserved, which may have their own characteristics in the field of canonical issues and rituals. The Orthodox Church includes seven ecumenical councils.
The admission of new members to the church takes place three times, in the name of the Holy Trinity, through the sacrament of baptism by immersion in water. Every new member of the church, regardless of whether a child or an adult, receives communion and is anointed.
The Divine Liturgy is the main service of the Orthodox. During the liturgy, the Orthodox stand before God as a sign of special humility. During the service, a kneeling ceremony is performed - a sign of complete and unconditional obedience.
Communion in Orthodoxy is performed by the laity and the priesthood with blood - wine and the body of Christ - leavened bread. Confession takes place only in the presence of a priest and is obligatory before every communion for everyone, with the exception of infants.
Orthodox Christians cross over the right shoulder. The symbol of the church is a four-pointed, six-pointed or eight-pointed cross with four nails.
Catholicism
Catholicism is characterized by organizational unity with the absolute authority of the pope and the division into churches of the Latin and Eastern rites. The monastic order is completely autonomous. The head of the Catholic Church is the Pope. The Catholic Church is guided by the decisions of twenty-one ecumenical councils.
The sacrament of baptism occurs by pouring water or sprinkling. The first communion is allowed for children from the age of seven after learning the basics of faith
Mass is the name of the modern main worship service among Catholics, the so-called Catholic liturgy, during which it is allowed to sit. Usually Catholics do not sit for the entire service, but only for most of it. A third of the service they stand or listen to the service on their knees.
The communion of the priesthood is accomplished in the blood and body under the guise of wine and unleavened bread, and the laity - only in the body of Christ. Confession takes place in the presence of a priest and is obligatory at least once a year.
Catholics are baptized over the left shoulder. The symbol of the church is a four-pointed cross with three nails.
