Theology

1⃣ Apostolic Succession
The uninterrupted transmission of spiritual authority from the Apostles through successive popes and bishops.

2⃣ Apostolic Tradition
Teachings and practices handed down from the Apostles to the Church.

3⃣ Collegiality
The cooperation and shared authority among bishops in governing the Church.

4⃣ Diaspora
The dispersion of people, particularly referring to the spread of Christian communities beyond their original regions.

5⃣ Dogma
Official Church doctrines that are considered essential and unchangeable.

6⃣ Edict of Milan
The decree issued in 313 AD by Emperor Constantine granting religious freedom and ending the persecution of Christians.

7⃣ Excommunication
A Church penalty that excludes a person from participation in the sacraments.

8⃣ Heresy
A belief or opinion that contradicts official Church doctrine.

9⃣ Immaculate Conception
The doctrine that Mary was conceived without original sin.

🔟 Indissolubility
The teaching that marriage is a lifelong and unbreakable bond.

1⃣1⃣ Monophysitism
A heresy that taught Christ has only one divine nature, rather than both a human and divine nature.

1⃣2⃣ Schism
A formal division within the Church, often due to doctrinal disagreements.

1⃣3⃣ Synod
An assembly of Church leaders to discuss and decide on Church matters.

1⃣4⃣ Theotokos
A Greek title for Mary meaning "God-bearer" or "Mother of God."

Ecumenical Dialogue

1⃣ Efforts to improve relations between Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Catholic Churches.
2⃣ Seeking theological common ground while respecting historical differences.

1⃣ Leadership

  • Governed by Patriarchs and independent church structures (autocephalous churches).

  • No central authority like the Pope in Catholicism.

Similarities Between Eastern Orthodox & Catholic Churches

✅ Core Doctrine & Beliefs – Both hold fundamental Christian beliefs.
✅ Apostolic Succession – Both trace their leadership back to the Apostles.
✅ Priesthood & Sacramental Life – Both practice sacraments like Baptism and Eucharist.
✅ Mary/Theotokos – Both honor Mary as the Mother of God.

1⃣ Authority of the Pope

  • Catholicism: The Pope has supreme authority.

  • Orthodoxy: The Pope is respected but not seen as having universal authority.

2⃣ The Filioque Controversy

  • Catholicism: The Nicene Creed includes “the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son (Filioque).”

  • Orthodoxy: Believes the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone.

3⃣ Ecumenical Councils

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

4⃣ Mary

  • Catholics believe in the Immaculate Conception, while Orthodox do not define it as dogma.

5⃣ Marriage

  • Catholic priests remain celibate.

  • Orthodox allow married men to become priests but not bishops.

6⃣ Holy Orders

  • Differences in structure and sacramental theology.

1⃣ The Spread of the Church

  • The role of Apostle Peter and Apostle Paul in evangelization.

2⃣ Bishop of Rome

  • The Pope’s authority based on Apostolic Tradition and Apostolic Succession.

3⃣ The Split of the Empire

  • Political and religious divisions leading to Church schisms.

4⃣ The Schisms

  • Schism of 451 ("Chalcedonian Schism") → Split of Oriental Orthodox Churches over Christ's nature.

  • Schism of 1054 (Great Schism) → Separation of Eastern Orthodox Churches from the Catholic Church.

  • Factors contributing to the Great Schism:

    • Cultural & linguistic differences (Latin vs. Greek)

    • Authority of the Pope vs. Patriarchs

    • The Filioque Controversy