The official date for the Great Schism is 1054 where the Eastern Orthodoxy (EO) and Western Catholicism (WC) split. This was because of differing opinions on some fundamental beliefs. Eastern Orthodoxy did not have a problem with all beliefs and tradition though, and this allowed the churches to have common themes. These traditions and beliefs had been formed during the first millennium from the Birth of Jesus to the Great Schism.
A very important similarity that EO and WC share is the belief that there are seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation (WC)/ Chrismation (EO), Eucharist, Penance/Confession, Ordination, Marriage and anointing of the sick (WC)/ Unction (EO). They also share the belief that Christ is present in all these Holy mysteries and that this encounter gives us grace. Baptism is also believed by both to wash away original sin as mentioned by Psalm 51:2, and the belief that confession is needed regularly because humans constantly sin. The two both believe that the Eucharist is a bloodless sacrifice and that every time Christ’s sacrifice is being repeated to enforce its importance
A place where much of the similarities come from is the seven ecumenical councils that happened during the first millennium. They were the council of Nicaea (325), Constantinople (381), Ephesus (431), Chalcedon (451), Constantinople II (553), Constantinople III (680), and Nicaea II (787). From these councils the creeds and definitions that were created are for the most part accepted by both Orthodoxy and Catholicism because they occurred during a period where both sides of the church attended these councils. For example the Nicaea creed without the Filioque clause is accepted by orthodox as it does not go against any of their beliefs.
There is also the belief that Mary is the mother of God (Theotokos) and for both Western Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy it shows just how important she is. Her importance comes from the help she gave to her son to bring salvation and that the belief of Mary being ever Virgin. Mary being Ever Virgin shows her to be un-sinful and the best example of what a Christian should be.
Western Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy both belief that the church is indefectible saying that it has no defects, is perfect and incorruptible. They both also accept the teachings by clergymen and saints during the first millennium as this was the period before the schism so both halves of the church had a hand in the teachings. Lastly they believe in the Gospel of Christ through the scriptures and other spiritual writings.
A very important similarity that EO and WC share is the belief that there are seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation (WC)/ Chrismation (EO), Eucharist, Penance/Confession, Ordination, Marriage and anointing of the sick (WC)/ Unction (EO). They also share the belief that Christ is present in all these Holy mysteries and that this encounter gives us grace. Baptism is also believed by both to wash away original sin as mentioned by Psalm 51:2, and the belief that confession is needed regularly because humans constantly sin. The two both believe that the Eucharist is a bloodless sacrifice and that every time Christ’s sacrifice is being repeated to enforce its importance
A place where much of the similarities come from is the seven ecumenical councils that happened during the first millennium. They were the council of Nicaea (325), Constantinople (381), Ephesus (431), Chalcedon (451), Constantinople II (553), Constantinople III (680), and Nicaea II (787). From these councils the creeds and definitions that were created are for the most part accepted by both Orthodoxy and Catholicism because they occurred during a period where both sides of the church attended these councils. For example the Nicaea creed without the Filioque clause is accepted by orthodox as it does not go against any of their beliefs.
There is also the belief that Mary is the mother of God (Theotokos) and for both Western Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy it shows just how important she is. Her importance comes from the help she gave to her son to bring salvation and that the belief of Mary being ever Virgin. Mary being Ever Virgin shows her to be un-sinful and the best example of what a Christian should be.
Western Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy both belief that the church is indefectible saying that it has no defects, is perfect and incorruptible. They both also accept the teachings by clergymen and saints during the first millennium as this was the period before the schism so both halves of the church had a hand in the teachings. Lastly they believe in the Gospel of Christ through the scriptures and other spiritual writings.
Video Link on The Great Schism Between the East and Western Churches:
http://study.com/academy/lesson/the-great-schism-between-the-east-and-western-churches.html
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Bibliography
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~Biblehub.com, (2015). Psalm 51:2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.. [online] Available at: http://biblehub.com/psalms/51-2.htm [Accessed 6 Sep. 2015].
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~Davis, L. (1990). The first seven ecumenical councils (325-787). Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press.
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~Greekcare.org.au, (2015). Greek Care » Greek Orthodox Sacraments. [online] Available at: http://www.greekcare.org.au/advice-and-information/religion/greek-orthodox-sacraments/ [Accessed 6 Sep. 2015].
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~Hallam, F. (2015). Orthodox Christianity for Absolute Beginners. [online] Orthodoxresource.co.uk. Available at: http://www.orthodoxresource.co.uk/comparative/roman-catholic.htm [Accessed 6 Sep. 2015].
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~Oca.org, (2015). Sacrifice of the Mass - Questions & Answers. [online] Available at: http://oca.org/questions/romancatholicism/sacrifice-of-the-mass [Accessed 6 Sep. 2015].
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~Study.com, (2015). The Great Schism Between the East and Western Churches - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com. [online] Available at: http://study.com/academy/lesson/the-great-schism-between-the-east-and-western-churches.html [Accessed 6 Sep. 2015].
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Harvard Referencing Used
http://study.com/academy/lesson/the-great-schism-between-the-east-and-western-churches.html
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Bibliography
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~Biblehub.com, (2015). Psalm 51:2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.. [online] Available at: http://biblehub.com/psalms/51-2.htm [Accessed 6 Sep. 2015].
~
~Davis, L. (1990). The first seven ecumenical councils (325-787). Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press.
~
~Greekcare.org.au, (2015). Greek Care » Greek Orthodox Sacraments. [online] Available at: http://www.greekcare.org.au/advice-and-information/religion/greek-orthodox-sacraments/ [Accessed 6 Sep. 2015].
~
~Hallam, F. (2015). Orthodox Christianity for Absolute Beginners. [online] Orthodoxresource.co.uk. Available at: http://www.orthodoxresource.co.uk/comparative/roman-catholic.htm [Accessed 6 Sep. 2015].
~
~Oca.org, (2015). Sacrifice of the Mass - Questions & Answers. [online] Available at: http://oca.org/questions/romancatholicism/sacrifice-of-the-mass [Accessed 6 Sep. 2015].
~
~Study.com, (2015). The Great Schism Between the East and Western Churches - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com. [online] Available at: http://study.com/academy/lesson/the-great-schism-between-the-east-and-western-churches.html [Accessed 6 Sep. 2015].
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Harvard Referencing Used