why is orthodox christianity different

What makes the Orthodox Church different?

The Orthodox Church believes the Holy Spirit “proceeds from God the Father,” while for Catholics and Protestants, the Holy Spirit “proceeds from the Father and the Son.” Some Orthodox believers see the Catholic/Protestant version as underestimating the role of the Father in the Trinity, while critics of the Orthodox …

How is Orthodox different than Catholic?

The main difference between the Catholic church and the Orthodox church is that the former believe that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the father to the son; while the latter believes that it proceeds only from the father.

What is not allowed in Orthodox Christianity?

The Holy Tradition (written and oral) of the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church, while advising avoidance of olive oil, meat, fish, milk, and dairy products every Wednesday and Friday throughout the year, additionally includes four principal fasting periods per year when meat as well as dairy products and eggs are …

What defines orthodox Christianity?

Orthodox comes from the Greek orth?doxos, meaning “correct opinion.” Orthodox Christians believe their form of Christianity is correct, and that some of the teachings of Catholicism and Protestantism are wrong. Despite attempts by both sides to reconcile, Christianity still remains divided today.

Why can’t you cross your legs in Greek church?

Don’t Cross Your Legs In the eyes of the church, this represents a form of arrogance that stands in the way of our relationship to God. Since a lot of people aren’t aware of this thinking, people tend to cross their legs without realizing that it is considered improper.

Do Orthodox Christians believe in original sin?

The Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Rite Eastern Catholic Churches’ version of original sin is the view that sin originates with the Devil, “for the devil sins from the beginning (1 John iii. 8)”.

Do Orthodox believe in Jesus or God?

Essentially the Orthodox Church shares much with the other Christian Churches in the belief that God revealed himself in Jesus Christ, and a belief in the incarnation of Christ, his crucifixion and resurrection.

Does Orthodox Church pray to Mary?

In the Orthodox view, devotion to Mary is considered an important element of Christian spirituality, and indifference to her by other Christian denominations is troubling to the Orthodox.

Does Orthodox believe in Mary?

Standing center in Orthodox tradition concerning the Virgin Mary is a singular concept. She is the Theotokos, the woman who bore the life-giving God into human life. Any other title or characterization of this woman, who bore Christ, has to stand on this core truth.

Can Orthodox drink alcohol?

There is no prohibition against consuming alcohol in most interpretations of the Christian bible. In fact some Christian sects use wine as a sacrament which is consumed at communion.

Are tattoos forbidden in Orthodox Christianity?

Some Christians take issue with tattooing, upholding the Hebrew prohibition (see below). The Hebrew prohibition is based on interpreting Leviticus 19:28—”Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you”—so as to prohibit tattoos, and perhaps even makeup.

Why is Orthodox Christianity declining?

Orthodoxy’s falling share of the global Christian population is connected with demographic trends in Europe, which has lower overall fertility rates and an older population than developing regions of the world, such as sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and South Asia.

Which Bible does Orthodox Church use?

The version of the Bible that is used includes the Septuagint, which is an established version of all the books in the Old Testament, the Apocryphal works (which aren’t accepted in other Christian denominations), and established books in the New Testament.

Who do Orthodox Christians worship?

For Orthodox Christians , worship joins the human being to God in prayer and unites them to the Church, the body of Christ. The main service is called the Divine Liturgy, during which people receive the bread and wine.

Who is the founder of Orthodox?

Why do Orthodox touch the ground?

A bow in the Eastern Orthodox Church consists of a person making the sign of the cross and then bowing from the waist and touching the floor with their fingers. This action is done extensively throughout all Orthodox services and is a fundamental way that the Orthodox express their reverence and subservience to God.

What is it called when Catholics do the cross on their chest?

Making the sign of the cross (Latin: signum crucis), or blessing oneself or crossing oneself, is a ritual blessing made by members of some branches of Christianity.

What is unique about the Orthodox Church?

The Orthodox Church differs substantially from the other Churches in the way of life and worship, and in certain aspects of theology. The Holy Spirit is seen as present in and as the guide to the Church working through the whole body of the Church, as well as through priests and bishops.

What are the main beliefs of the Orthodox Church?

Eastern Orthodox Christians believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah of the Jews, the God of Israel come to be with his people, the Redeemer of the human race who saves the world from sin and its effects, the comprehensible self-revelation of the incomprehensible God, and the pre-eternal Son begotten of …

What was the biggest difference between the Orthodox and Catholic churches?

Both the Western Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches organise their spiritual officers into three main categories: deacons at the bottom followed by priests and then bishops. The biggest difference between the two churches is the status of the Roman Catholic Pope.

What is the difference between orthodox and traditional?

A Tradition is the set ‘thing’ you have to do. When something is Orthodox it means that it is following the tradition.