The differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism are much more significant than is indicated here. Apart from the different understanding of original sin, the Orthodox do not accept the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, they permit re-marriage in church after divorce, they do not believe in purgatory but believe that the fate of a soul may still be uncertain after death, some orthodox 'churches' accept the validity of Catholic orders and some deny them absolutely. Catholics are permitted to attend Orthodox masses and to receive Communion if no Catholic church is available and offer reciprocal courtesies to the Orthodox. However, Orthodox priests are not permitted to distribute Communion to Catholics in any circumstances. Another major difference is the 'Filioque' clause, the fact that Catholics believe that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son but that Orthodoxy insists that He proceeds from the Father only and say that the Catholic belief implies that there are 'two gods'; hardly a minor difference. Another major difference is that the beliefs and discipline of an autocephalous (national) 'church' is to some degree independent of that of other 'churches' e.g. the acceptance or otherwise of the validity of Catholic orders. We also have to face the fact that many Orthodox despise Catholicism and regard us as unrepentant heretics whose spiritual fate is greatly imperilled by our rejection of Orthodoxy.
Steve, this is an excellent post! I have many relatives who are/were Orthodox. I am a convert, baptized Orthodox. I became a Catholic when I was 15. My baptism was accepted and I studied the Baltimore Catechism with a priest. I made my first Confession, a Profession of Faith, and my First Holy Communion. You are right when you say that many Orthodox do not like Catholics.
I feel more than a little sorry for our Orthodox sisters and brothers at the moment. Mouth Athos, the Holy island of Our Lady in Greece is the Spiritual Home of Orthodoxy. But because of the current Schism between Constantinople I don;t suppose Orthodox Slavic/ Russian people will be too welcome there. It's little like Catholics not being welcome in Rome. So much of the Orthodox narrative centered on Orthodox Unity , which is gone, gone , gone. It's as though the sky had fallen in on their heads. Bad Orthodox teachings warn us of the danger of separating oursleves from the true Magisterium, for we tend to become further and further falling away from the truth. Nevertheless I am fond of Orthodoxy for several things in which they have much to teach us. A superb Liturgy. An intense love of Monasticism. A Deep love for the Theotokos, the Mother of God. Deep veneration of Traditional beliefs and practices.
a fundamental difference is that the orthodox always baptize by immersion, so this is the moment that every newborn baby would thank for being a Roman Catholic
In addition to accepting divorce and remarriage, they also caved on non abortifacient forms of contraceptives in the 1970s. I consider this proof positive the Catholic Church is the only True Church of Christ.
I find the orthodox monks are very much in touch with the mystical. Their "elders" often have very wise quotes and sayings too, such as Elder Piasios and others from Mount Athos.
There is wonderful modern Orthodox saint who is also recognised as a saint by the Catholic Church. St Seraphim of Sarov. One thing I like very much about him was, that like St Francis he had a great love for animals. Another thing was that he had a very, very kind heart. He was also a wonder worker, like Padre Pio, miracles all over the place. 'Aquire a peaceful Spirit and around you thousands will be saved' St Seraphim of Sarov.
