How is Greek Orthodox different from Christianity?
Main differences: The Orthodox consider the ‘Holy tradition’ of the church to be divinely inspired along with the Bible but the Protestants only consider Bible as divinely inspired. Orthodox Christians have the concept of deification and purgatory while the Protestants reject both.
What makes Greek Orthodox different?
The Orthodox Church differs substantially from the other Churches in the way of life and worship, and in certain aspects of theology. The Holy Spirit is seen as present in and as the guide to the Church working through the whole body of the Church, as well as through priests and bishops.
Can a Greek Orthodox marry a Catholic?
Most Orthodox Churches allow marriages between members of the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. … Because the Catholic Church respects their celebration of the Mass as a true sacrament, intercommunion with the Eastern Orthodox in “suitable circumstances and with Church authority” is both possible and encouraged.
What caused the split between Catholic and Orthodox?
The Great Schism came about due to a complex mix of religious disagreements and political conflicts. One of the many religious disagreements between the western (Roman) and eastern (Byzantine) branches of the church had to do with whether or not it was acceptable to use unleavened bread for the sacrament of communion.
How do Greek Orthodox cross themselves?
How to Know When… For Greek Orthodox Christians, the sign of the cross is the ultimate expression of their faith. While making the sign of the cross, Orthodox Christians do so by touching their thumb, index, and middle fingers together, which represents the Holy Trinity.
Do Greek Orthodox get circumcised?
The Lutheran Church and the Greek Orthodox Church celebrate the Circumcision of Christ on 1 January, while Orthodox churches following the Julian calendar celebrate it on 14 January. All Orthodox churches consider it a “Great Feast”.
Why is Orthodox cross different?
The Russian Orthodox cross differs from the Western cross. The cross usually has three crossbeams, two horizontal and the third one is a bit slanted. The middle bar was where Christ’s hands were nailed. … Thus bottom bar of the cross is like the scale of justice and its points show the way to the Hell and Heaven.
Can a Catholic go to a Greek Orthodox Church?
Both Catholics and Protestants are welcome to attend the Orthodox Mass but they CANNOT take Holy Communion, the Orthodox Priest is not allowed to give it to them.
Can Greek Orthodox priests marry?
Under Orthodox rules, a celibate priest cannot marry after ordination, and a non-celibate priest cannot remarry and remain a priest, even if his wife dies, he said. Widowers who remain celibate can become bishops, but that’s happened just once.
What religion do Greek practice?
Greece is an overwhelmingly Orthodox Christian nation – much like Russia, Ukraine and other Eastern European countries. And, like many Eastern Europeans, Greeks embrace Christianity as a key part of their national identity.