The Great Schism
Origins of the split between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church
The split between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, often referred to as the Great Schism or the East-West Schism, is a complex historical event with its roots in a combination of theological, political, cultural, and ecclesiastical factors. The schism officially took place in 1054 AD, but tensions and disagreements had been brewing for centuries. Here are some key factors that contributed to the split:
Theological Differences
Theological disputes played a significant role in the schism. One major point of contention was the filioque clause, which was added to the Nicene Creed in the West. This clause affirmed that the Holy Spirit proceeded from both the Father and the Son, while the Eastern Church argued that the Holy Spirit proceeded only from the Father. This disagreement reflected broader differences in theological emphasis and interpretation.
Papal Authority
The authority and role of the Pope of Rome (the Bishop of Rome) in relation to other patriarchs and bishops in the Christian world became a contentious issue. The Pope asserted primacy over the entire Christian Church, while the Eastern Patriarchs, especially the Patriarch of Constantinople, resisted this claim to universal authority.
Cultural and Linguistic Differences
The Western and Eastern parts of the Roman Empire had different languages (Latin in the West, Greek in the East) and cultural traditions. These differences sometimes led to misunderstandings and contributed to a sense of separation.
Political Factors
The political division of the Roman Empire into the Western Roman Empire and the Eastern Byzantine Empire had an impact on the division of the Church. The fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD left the Bishop of Rome with more political power and influence, further contributing to the East-West divide.
Geographical Separation
The geographical separation between the Roman Catholic Church in the West and the Eastern Orthodox Church in the East made communication and collaboration more challenging. Over time, this physical separation contributed to a sense of distinctiveness.
Doctrinal Disputes
Various doctrinal disputes and controversies arose over the centuries, including debates about the use of unleavened bread in the Eucharist, differences in liturgical practices, and interpretations of canon law.
The culmination of these factors and tensions eventually led to the formal excommunication of each other’s leaders by the Pope in Rome and the Patriarch of Constantinople in 1054 AD, marking the official split between the Western and Eastern Christian churches. This event is often seen as the beginning of the Great Schism, which continues to this day, with the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church remaining separate Christian traditions with distinct beliefs, practices, and ecclesiastical structures. Efforts have been made over the centuries to heal the schism, but full unity has not been achieved.
Let us pray The Lord’s Prayer together
Our Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy Will be done,
on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
‘The Lord’s Prayer ‘is truly the summary of the whole gospel.’ ‘Since the Lord… after handling over the practice of prayer, said elsewhere, ‘Ask and you will receive, ‘ and since everyone has petitions which are peculiar to his circumstances, the regular and appropriate prayer (the Lord’s Prayer) is said first, as the foundation of further desires.’
– Tertullian, De orat.
