The Schism between Catholics and Orthodox

Flashcards: The Schism Between Catholics and Orthodox

What was the central issue leading to the schism between Catholics and Orthodox?

The main issue was which city should be the most important in the Church, with the Bishop of Rome claiming primacy due to the succession of Saint Peter.

Which city did the Bishop of Rome argue had primacy?

The Bishop of Rome argued that Rome had primacy because Saint Peter, to whom Christ said "You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church," was the first bishop there.

Which other cities were considered important in early Christianity?

The other important cities were Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, and Constantinople, where there were also bishops called patriarchs.

What was the "pentarchy"?

The "pentarchy" was the government of five patriarchates: Rome, Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, and Constantinople.

What caused the pentarchy to break apart?

The fall of the Western Roman Empire due to Germanic invasions, and the growing distance between Rome and Constantinople, led to the breakdown of the pentarchy.

What event in 800 contributed to tensions between the Pope and Constantinople?

In 800, the Pope crowned Charlemagne as "Emperor of the Romans," which challenged the authority of the Byzantine emperor in Constantinople.

When did the final schism between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches occur?

The final schism occurred in 1054, when the Pope of Rome and the Patriarch of Constantinople excommunicated each other.

What does the term "Orthodox" mean?

"Orthodox" comes from the Greek word "orthodoxia," meaning "right opinion," and refers to the Eastern Church, which believed it represented the true Christian tradition.

What does the term "Catholic" mean?

"Catholic" comes from the Greek word "katholikos," meaning "universal," and refers to the Western Church, which considered itself the universal Christian Church.

What factors initially made the Orthodox Church seem more powerful?

The Orthodox Church was based in the Eastern Roman Empire, where Christianity originated, and where the major councils defining Christian doctrine took place.

How did the Catholic Church gain power over time?

The Catholic Church grew in strength as Western Europe strengthened during the Middle Ages, and with the discovery of the Americas and the Portuguese expansion into India.

What major event in the 16th century further divided Christianity?

The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century created a third Christian branch, further dividing the Church.

What was the role of the Byzantine emperor in early Christian councils?

The Byzantine emperor played a central role in the early Christian councils, which were held in the Eastern Mediterranean.

What is the significance of the Papal coronation of Charlemagne?

The coronation of Charlemagne by the Pope in 800 symbolized the Pope's claim to authority over the Western Roman Empire and defied the authority of the Byzantine emperor.

What did the Patriarch of Constantinople believe regarding Christian tradition?

The Patriarch of Constantinople believed his Church represented the true Christian tradition, faithful to the doctrines defined in the councils.

Why did the Catholic Church emerge stronger during the Middle Ages?

The Catholic Church benefitted from the growing political and economic power of Western Europe, particularly after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

How did the spread of Catholicism expand globally?

The discovery of the Americas by Columbus and Portuguese expansion into India helped spread Catholicism worldwide, increasing the reach of the Church.

How did the Orthodox Church view the doctrine established by early councils?

The Orthodox Church viewed the doctrine established by early councils in the Eastern Empire as the true Christian teachings, rejecting any changes made by the Western Church.

What is the main difference between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches?

The main difference lies in the authority of the Pope in the Catholic Church, which the Orthodox Church rejects, seeing itself as maintaining the true tradition.