Theology

Apostolic Succession

The uninterrupted transmission of spiritual authority from the Apostles through successive popes and bishops.

Apostolic Tradition

Teachings and practices handed down from the Apostles to the Church.

Collegiality

The cooperation and shared authority among bishops in governing the Church.

Diaspora

The dispersion of people, particularly referring to the spread of Christian communities beyond their original regions.

Dogma

Official Church doctrines that are considered essential and unchangeable.

Edict of Milan

The decree issued in 313 AD by Emperor Constantine granting religious freedom and ending the persecution of Christians.

Excommunication

A Church penalty that excludes a person from participation in the sacraments.

Heresy

A belief or opinion that contradicts official Church doctrine.

Immaculate Conception

The doctrine that Mary was conceived without original sin.

Indissolubility

The teaching that marriage is a lifelong and unbreakable bond.

Monophysitism

A heresy that taught Christ has only one divine nature, rather than both a human and divine nature.

Schism

A formal division within the Church, often due to doctrinal disagreements.

Synod

An assembly of Church leaders to discuss and decide on Church matters.

Theotokos

A Greek title for Mary meaning 'God-bearer' or 'Mother of God.'

Ecumenical Dialogue

Efforts to improve relations between Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Catholic Churches.

Leadership

Governed by Patriarchs and independent church structures (autocephalous churches) without central authority.

Authority of the Pope

In Catholicism, the Pope has supreme authority; in Orthodoxy, he is respected but not having universal authority.

The Filioque Controversy

Catholicism includes 'the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son' while Orthodoxy believes it proceeds from the Father alone.

Ecumenical Councils

Catholics accept all councils, while Orthodox only recognize the first seven councils.

Marriage

Catholic priests remain celibate while Orthodox allow married men to become priests but not bishops.

The Spread of the Church

The role of Apostle Peter and Apostle Paul in evangelization.

Bishop of Rome

The Pope's authority based on Apostolic Tradition and Apostolic Succession.

The Split of the Empire

Political and religious divisions leading to Church schisms.

The Schisms

Major splits in Christianity, including the Schism of 451 and the Great Schism of 1054.