Catholic vs Eastern Orthodox: The Key Differences
The Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches were one for the first thousand years of Christianity and still share the sacraments, apostolic succession, and devotion to the saints. Since the Great Schism of 1054, several differences have remained.
Roman Catholic
Catholicism holds that the Pope, as successor of Peter, has universal authority over the whole Church and can teach infallibly under certain conditions. It affirms the Filioque (the Spirit proceeds from the Father “and the Son”), purgatory, and a developed doctrine of salvation centered on grace and the sacraments.
Eastern Orthodox
Orthodoxy is governed conciliarly by bishops with no single earthly head, honoring the Patriarch of Constantinople as “first among equals.” It rejects the Filioque, frames salvation as theosis (union with God and transformation into His likeness), and preserves the theology of the seven Ecumenical Councils and the Divine Liturgy.
Frequently asked questions
Do Catholics and Orthodox share communion?
Not normally. Though their sacraments are mutually recognized as valid, the two churches are not in full communion, so shared Eucharist is generally not permitted.
What is theosis?
Theosis is the Orthodox understanding of salvation as growing union with God — being transformed by grace into the likeness of Christ, not merely declared forgiven.
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