Key Event: In July 1054, leaders of the Eastern and Western Churches mutually excommunicated each other, often marked as the start of the Great Schism.
Complexity: The schism was not a single event but a culmination of centuries of conflict and differences.
Background
Cultural Divide:
Differences in social structures, philosophies, and languages between East (Greek) and West (Latin).
Communication barriers often led to misunderstandings, such as the mistranslation in the Second Council of Nicaea (787).
Theological Differences:
Discrepancies in clerical celibacy, nature of the Trinity, bread in worship, and fasting rules.
Political Tensions
Early Church Structure:
Five major centers: Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem.
Initially mutual respect and leadership dependence.
Power Shift:
Rome gains independence, civil power, and sees itself as the shepherd of Christendom.
Issues of Authority:
Filioque Controversy: Addition of "and the Son" to the Nicene Creed by the West.
Patriarchal Conflict (858): Pope Nicholas intervenes in the deposition of the Patriarch of Constantinople, exacerbating tensions.
The First Crusade
Impact on People:
Pope Urban sends troops to aid the East but Western soldiers overstep, worsening relations.
Conflict escalates to a personal level among common people.
Attempts at Reconciliation
Modern Steps:
1964: Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras I embrace in Jerusalem.
North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation ongoing since 1965.
2003: Filioque declared no longer divisive.
2004: Common declaration between Pope John Paul II and Bartholomew I.
Pope Francis actively seeks communion with Orthodox Churches.
Conclusion
Unification Efforts:
Division emerged over time from various issues; unification will require time and effort.
Emphasis on shared Christian beliefs as a foundation for reconciliation.
Additional Information
Sponsored by: Mary McNicholas and patrons on Patreon.
Further Engagement: BreakingInTheHabit.org, social media platforms.