Lecture Notes: The Great Schism and the Orthodox Church

Introduction

Awareness of the Orthodox Church is often limited in North America, especially among Protestants.
The Orthodox Church is not just the "Greek Orthodox" or "Byzantine Church"; it's varied geographically and linguistically.
Orthodox Church is the second largest Christian church, with around 250 million adherents.
Orthodox Church arose from a significant schism with the Catholic Church in 1054, known as the Great Schism.

Definition: The separation of the Western (Catholic) and Eastern (Orthodox) Churches.
Often confused with the Papal Schism by historians.
The Great Schism created a division that persists to this day.
Causes: Political, theological, and leadership issues.

Constantinian Influence: The Christian world was seen as a united empire under Constantine.
Byzantine Influence: The Byzantine Emperor was seen as the ruler over the East and potentially the West.
The East had authority over church appointments, including the papacy, which needed Eastern Emperor’s approval.
Rise of Western Autonomy: With figures like Charlemagne and Otto declaring themselves Holy Roman Emperors, the West sought independence.

Authority Dispute: Central issue was the role of the Pope versus the Eastern patriarchs.
Iconoclasm: Eastern rulers banned religious images, which the West opposed.
Filioque Controversy: West added "and the Son" to the Nicene Creed, implying the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son. East opposed this modification.
Council of Nicaea: Original creed said Spirit proceeds from the Father only.
Arianism concerns in the West influenced the change to affirm the Son's divinity.

Key Figures: Humbert of Silva Candida, Pope Leo IX, Patriarch Michael I.
Incident: In 1054, Humbert delivered a bull of excommunication to Michael during an Easter service, which was reciprocated.
While initially seen as a temporary dispute, it solidified into a long-lasting schism.

Reconciliation Efforts: In 2004, Pope John Paul II and the Patriarch of Constantinople recited the Nicene Creed together without the filioque.
This event symbolized ongoing efforts to bridge the divide.

The Great Schism was rooted in deep political, theological, and leadership issues.
Its effects have persisted, influencing the structure and practice of Christianity across the world.