The difference between Catholics and Orthodox Christians. The final formation of Catholicism. Basic dogmas and postulates

Orthodoxy differs from Catholicism, but not everyone will answer the question of what exactly these differences are. There are differences between the churches in symbolism, and in the ritual, and in the dogmatic part.

We have different crosses

First outward difference Catholic and Orthodox symbols concerns the image of the cross and crucifixion. If in the early Christian tradition there were 16 types of cross shapes, today traditionally a four-sided cross is associated with Catholicism, and an eight-pointed or six-pointed cross with Orthodoxy.

The words on the tablet on the crosses are the same, only the languages ​​\u200b\u200bare different, in which the inscription “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. In Catholicism, this is Latin: INRI. In some Eastern churches, the Greek abbreviation INBI is used from the Greek text Ἰησοῦς ὁ Ναζωραῖος ὁ Bασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων.

In this document, in the second paragraph of the first part, the text of the Creed without the filioque is given: "Et in Spiritum Sanctum, Dominum et vivificantem, qui ex Patre procedit, qui cum Patre et Filio simul adoratur et conglorificatur, qui locutus est per prophetas" . (“And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who, together with the Father and the Son, is to be worshiped and glorified, who spoke through the prophets.”)

No official, conciliar decisions followed this declaration, so the situation with the filioque remains the same.

The main difference between the Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church is that the head of the Orthodox Church is Jesus Christ, in Catholicism the church is headed by the vicar of Jesus Christ, its visible head (Vicarius Christi), the Pope of Rome.

Acquainted with traditions in Europe catholic church and after talking with the priest upon her return, she discovered that there is much in common between the two areas of Christianity, but there are also fundamental differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, which, among other things, influenced the split of the once united Christian church.

In my article, I decided to tell in an accessible language about the differences between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church and their in general terms.

Although churchmen argue that the matter is in "irreconcilable religious differences", scientists are sure that it was, first of all, a political decision. The tension between Constantinople and Rome forced the confessors to look for a reason to clarify the relationship and ways to resolve the conflict that had arisen.

It was difficult not to notice the features that were already entrenched in the West, where Rome dominated, that were different from those adopted in Constantinople, which is why they caught on: miscellaneous device in matters of hierarchy, aspects of doctrine, the administration of the sacraments, everything was used.

Due to political tensions, the existing difference between the two traditions that exist in different parts collapsed Roman Empire. The reason for the existing originality was the difference in culture, mentality of the western and eastern parts.

And, if the existence of one strong large state made the church one, with its disappearance the connection between Rome and Constantinople weakened, contributing to the creation and rooting in the western part of the country of some traditions unusual for the East.

The division of the once united Christian church on a territorial basis did not happen at one moment. East and West have been moving towards this for years, culminating in the 11th century. In 1054, during the Council, the Patriarch of Constantinople was deposed by the envoys of the Pope.

In response, he anathematized the envoys of the Pope. The heads of the other patriarchates shared the position of Patriarch Michael, and the split deepened. The final break is attributed to the time of the 4th Crusade, which sacked Constantinople. Thus, the united Christian Church split into Catholic and Orthodox.

Now Christianity combines three different directions: the Orthodox and Catholic churches, Protestantism. There is no single church that unites Protestants: there are hundreds of denominations. The Catholic Church is monolithic, it is led by the Pope, to whom all believers and dioceses are subject.

15 independent and mutually recognizing churches constitute the asset of Orthodoxy. Both directions are religious systems that include their own hierarchy and internal rules, dogma and worship, cultural traditions.

Common features of Catholicism and Orthodoxy

The followers of both churches believe in Christ, consider Him an example to follow, and try to follow His commandments. Holy Bible for them, the Bible.

At the base of the traditions of Catholicism and Orthodoxy are the apostles-disciples of Christ, who founded Christian centers in major world cities (these communities relied christianity). Thanks to them, both directions have sacraments, similar creeds, exalt the same saints, have the same Creed.

The followers of both churches believe in the power of the Holy Trinity.

The view of family formation converges in both directions. Marriage between a man and a woman occurs with the blessing of the church, being considered a sacrament. Same-sex marriages are not recognized. Entry into intimate relationship before marriage is unworthy of a Christian and is considered a sin, and same-sex people are considered a serious fall into sin.

Followers of both directions agree that both the Catholic and Orthodox branches of the church represent Christianity, albeit in different ways. The difference for them is significant and irreconcilable, that for more than a thousand years there has been no unity in the way of worship and communion of the Body and Blood of Christ, therefore they do not take communion together.

Orthodox and Catholics: What's the difference?

The result of deep religious differences between East and West was the schism that took place in 1054. Representatives of both directions declare striking differences between them in religious outlook. Such contradictions will be discussed later. For ease of understanding, I compiled a special table of differences.

Summing up

Despite the centuries-old schism between the Catholic and Orthodox churches, which is not expected to be overcome in the near future, there are many similarities that testify to common origins.

There are many differences, so significant that the unification of the two directions is not possible. However, regardless of the differences, Catholics and Orthodox believe in Jesus Christ, carry His teachings and values ​​around the world. Human error has divided Christians, but faith in the Lord brings the unity for which Christ prayed.

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When you're ready, draw a card:

Catholicism and Orthodoxy, as well as Protestantism, are directions of one religion - Christianity. Despite the fact that both Catholicism and Orthodoxy are related to Christianity, there are significant differences between them.

The reason for the split of the Christian Church into Western (Catholicism) and Eastern (Orthodoxy) was the political split that occurred at the turn of the 8th-9th centuries, when Constantinople lost the lands of the western part of the Roman Empire. In the summer of 1054, the Pope's ambassador to Constantinople, Cardinal Humbert, anathematized the Byzantine patriarch Michael Kirularius and his followers. A few days later, a council was held in Constantinople, at which Cardinal Humbert and his henchmen were anathematized in response. Disagreements between representatives of the Roman and Greek churches escalated due to political differences: Byzantium argued with Rome for power. The distrust of East and West spilled over into open hostility after the crusade against Byzantium in 1202, when Western Christians went against their eastern brothers in faith. Only in 1964 did the Patriarch Athenagoras of Constantinople and Pope Paul VI officially cancel the anathema of 1054. However, differences in tradition have become strongly ingrained over the centuries.

Church organization

The Orthodox Church includes several independent Churches. In addition to the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), there are Georgian, Serbian, Greek, Romanian and others. These Churches are governed by patriarchs, archbishops and metropolitans. Not all Orthodox Churches have communion with each other in the sacraments and prayers (which, according to the catechism of Metropolitan Philaret, is necessary condition in order for the individual Churches to be part of the one Universal Church). Also, not all Orthodox Churches recognize each other as true churches. Orthodox believe that Jesus Christ is the head of the Church.

Unlike the Orthodox Church, Catholicism is one Universal Church. All its parts in different countries of the world are in communion with each other, and also follow a single dogma and recognize the Pope as their head. In the Catholic Church, there are communities within the Catholic Church (rites) that differ from each other in forms of liturgical worship and church discipline. There are Roman rites, Byzantine rites, etc. Therefore, there are Roman rite Catholics, Byzantine rite Catholics, etc., but they are all members of the same Church. Catholics consider the Pope to be the head of the Church.

worship

The main worship of the Orthodox - Divine Liturgy, for Catholics - Mass (Catholic liturgy).

During the service in the Russian Orthodox Church, it is customary to stand as a sign of humility before God. In other Eastern Rite Churches, it is permitted to sit during worship. As a sign of unconditional obedience, the Orthodox kneel. Contrary to popular belief, it is customary for Catholics to sit and stand in worship. There are services that Catholics listen to on their knees.

Mother of God

In Orthodoxy, the Mother of God is primarily the Mother of God. She is revered as a saint, but she was born in original sin, like all mere mortals, and reposed like all people. Unlike Orthodoxy, in Catholicism it is believed that the Virgin Mary was conceived immaculately without original sin and at the end of her life she was raised alive to heaven.

Symbol of faith

Orthodox believe that the Holy Spirit comes only from the Father. Catholics believe that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and from the Son.

Sacraments

The Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church recognize seven main Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation (Confirmation), Communion (Eucharist), Repentance (Confession), Priesthood (Ordination), Consecration (Unction) and Marriage (Wedding). The rituals of the Orthodox and Catholic Churches are almost identical, the differences are only in the interpretation of the sacraments. For example, during the sacrament of baptism in the Orthodox Church, a child or an adult plunges into the font. In a Catholic church, an adult or a child is sprinkled with water. The Sacrament of Communion (Eucharist) is performed on leavened bread. Both the priesthood and the laity partake of both the Blood (wine) and the Body of Christ (bread). In Catholicism, the sacrament of communion is performed on unleavened bread. The priesthood partakes of both the Blood and the Body, while the laity only partake of the Body of Christ.

Purgatory

Orthodoxy does not believe in the existence of purgatory after death. Although it is assumed that souls may be in an intermediate state, hoping to go to heaven after the Last Judgment. In Catholicism, there is a dogma about purgatory, where souls dwell in anticipation of paradise.

Faith and Morality

The Orthodox Church only recognizes the decisions of the first seven Ecumenical Councils, which took place from 49 to 787. Catholics recognize the Pope as their head and share the same faith. Although within the Catholic Church there are communities with different forms of liturgical worship: Byzantine, Roman and others. The Catholic Church recognizes the decisions of the 21st Ecumenical Council, the last of which took place in 1962-1965.

Within the framework of Orthodoxy, divorces are allowed in individual cases, which are decided by priests. The Orthodox clergy are divided into "white" and "black". Representatives of the "white clergy" are allowed to marry. True, then they will not be able to receive episcopal and higher dignity. "Black clergy" are monks who take a vow of celibacy. The sacrament of marriage among Catholics is considered to be concluded for life and divorces are prohibited. All Catholic monastic clergy take a vow of celibacy.

sign of the cross

Orthodox are baptized only from right to left with three fingers. Catholics are baptized from left to right. They do not have a single rule, as when creating a cross, you need to fold your fingers, so several options have taken root.

Icons

On Orthodox icons, saints are written in two-dimensional image according to the tradition of reverse perspective. Thus, it is emphasized that the action takes place in another dimension - in the world of the spirit. Orthodox icons monumental, strict and symbolic. Among Catholics, saints are written in a naturalistic way, often in the form of statues. Catholic icons written in direct perspective.

Sculptural images of Christ, the Virgin and saints, accepted in Catholic churches, are not accepted by the Eastern Church.

crucifixion

The Orthodox cross has three crossbars, one of which is short and is at the top, symbolizing the tablet with the inscription "This is Jesus, King of the Jews", which was nailed over the head of the crucified Christ. The lower crossbar is a foot and one of its ends looks up, pointing to one of the thieves crucified next to Christ, who believed and ascended with him. The second end of the crossbar points down, as a sign that the second thief, who allowed himself to slander Jesus, ended up in hell. On the Orthodox cross, each leg of Christ is nailed with a separate nail. Unlike Orthodox cross, the catholic cross consists of two crossbeams. If Jesus is depicted on it, then both feet of Jesus are nailed to the base of the cross with one nail. Christ on Catholic crucifixes, as well as on icons, is depicted in a naturalistic way - his body sags under weight, torment and suffering are noticeable in the whole image.

Wake for the deceased

Orthodox commemorate the dead on the 3rd, 9th and 40th days, then a year later. Catholics commemorate the dead on Memorial Day, November 1st. November 1st is an official holiday in some European countries. The dead are also commemorated on the 3rd, 7th and 30th days after death, but this tradition is not strictly observed.

Despite existing differences, both Catholics and Orthodox are united by the fact that they profess and preach throughout the world one faith and one teaching of Jesus Christ.

conclusions:

1. In Orthodoxy, it is customary to consider that the Universal Church is "embodied" in each local Church, headed by a bishop. Catholics add to this to belong to the Universal Church local church must have communion with the local Roman Catholic Church.

2. World Orthodoxy does not have a single leadership. It is divided into several independent churches. World Catholicism is one church.

3. The Catholic Church recognizes the supremacy of the Pope in matters of faith and discipline, morality and government. Orthodox churches do not recognize the primacy of the Pope.

4. Churches differently see the role of the Holy Spirit and the mother of Christ, who in Orthodoxy is called the Mother of God, and in Catholicism the Virgin Mary. In Orthodoxy there is no concept of purgatory.

5. The same sacraments operate in the Orthodox and Catholic churches, but the ceremonies of their implementation are different.

6. Unlike Catholicism, in Orthodoxy there is no dogma about purgatory.

7. Orthodox and Catholics make the cross in different ways.

8. Orthodoxy allows divorce, and its "white clergy" can marry. In Catholicism, divorce is prohibited, and all monastic clergy take a vow of celibacy.

9. The Orthodox and Catholic Churches recognize the decisions of different Ecumenical Councils.

10. Unlike the Orthodox, Catholics paint saints on icons in a naturalistic way. Also among Catholics, sculptural images of Christ, the Virgin and saints are common.

Orthodoxy differs from Catholicism, but not everyone will answer the question of what exactly these differences are. There are differences between the churches both in symbolism, and in the ritual, and in the dogmatic part ... What main differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism ?

The first external difference between Catholic and Orthodox symbols concerns the image of the cross and the crucifix. If in the early Christian tradition there were 16 types of cross shapes, today traditionally a four-sided cross is associated with Catholicism, and an eight-pointed or six-pointed cross with Orthodoxy.

The words on the tablet on the crosses are the same, only the languages ​​\u200b\u200bare different, in which the inscription “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. In Catholicism, this is Latin: INRI. In some Eastern churches, the Greek abbreviation INBI is used from the Greek text Ἰησοῦς ὁ Ναζωραῖος ὁ Bασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων.

The Romanian Orthodox Church uses the Latin version, and in Russian and Church Slavonic versions, the abbreviation looks like I.Н.Ц.I.

Interestingly, this spelling was approved in Russia only after Nikon's reform, before that, "King of Glory" was often written on the tablet. This spelling was preserved by the Old Believers.

Differs in Orthodox and catholic crucifix often also the number of nails. Catholics have three, Orthodox have four.

by the very fundamental difference The symbolism of the cross in the two churches is that on the Catholic cross Christ is depicted extremely naturalistically, with wounds and blood, in a crown of thorns, with arms sagging under the weight of the body, while on the Orthodox crucifix there are no naturalistic traces of the suffering of Christ, the image of the Savior shows the victory of life over death, the Spirit over the body.

Catholics and Orthodox have many differences in the ritual part. Thus, there are clear differences in sign of the cross. Orthodox are baptized from right to left, Catholics from left to right.

The norm of the Catholic cross blessing was approved in 1570 by Pope Pius V "He who blesses himself ... makes a cross from his forehead to his chest and from his left shoulder to his right."

AT Orthodox tradition the norm for performing the sign of the cross changed in terms of double and triple fingers, but church leaders wrote about the need to be baptized from right to left before and after Nikon's reform.

Catholics usually cross themselves with all five fingers as a sign of "ulcers on the body of the Lord Jesus Christ" - two on the hands, two on the legs, one from the spear. In Orthodoxy, after the reform of Nikon, three fingers are accepted: three fingers are folded together (symbolism of the Trinity), two fingers are pressed to the palm (two natures of Christ - divine and human. In the Romanian Church, these two fingers are interpreted as a symbol of Adam and Eve falling to the Trinity).

In addition to the obvious differences in the ritual part, in the monastic system of the two churches, in the traditions of iconography, Orthodox and Catholics have a lot of differences in terms of dogma.

Thus, the Orthodox Church does not recognize the Catholic teaching on the overdue merits of the saints, according to which the great Catholic saints, the Doctors of the Church left an inexhaustible treasury of “overdue good deeds”, so that later sinners could use the riches from it for their salvation.

The manager of the wealth from this treasury is the Catholic Church and personally the Pontifex.

Depending on the diligence of the sinner, the Pontiff can take riches from the treasury and provide them to the sinful person, since a person does not have enough of his own good deeds for salvation.

The concept of "super-due merit" is directly related to the concept of "indulgence", when a person is freed from punishment for his sins for the amount paid.

AT late XIX century, the Roman Catholic Church proclaimed the dogma of the infallibility of the Pope. According to him, when the pope (as the head of the Church) determines her doctrine concerning faith or morality, he has infallibility (infallibility) and is protected from the very possibility of error.

This doctrinal inerrancy is a gift of the Holy Spirit given to the Pope as the successor of the Apostle Peter by virtue of apostolic succession and not based on his personal sinlessness.

The dogma was officially proclaimed in the dogmatic constitution of Pastor Aeternus on July 18, 1870, along with the assertion of the "ordinary and immediate" authority of the jurisdiction of the pontiff in the universal Church.

The Pope used his right to proclaim a new doctrine ex cathedra only once: in 1950, Pope Pius XII proclaimed the dogma of the Ascension. of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The dogma of infallibility was confirmed at the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) in the dogmatic constitution of the Church Lumen Gentium.

Neither the dogma of the infallibility of the Pope nor the dogma of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary was accepted by the Orthodox Church. Also, the Orthodox Church does not recognize the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.

The understanding of what the human soul goes through after death also differs in Orthodoxy and Catholicism. In Catholicism, there is a dogma about purgatory - a special state in which the soul of the deceased is located. Orthodoxy denies the existence of purgatory, although it recognizes the need for prayers for the dead.

In Orthodoxy, unlike Catholicism, there is a doctrine of air ordeals, obstacles through which the soul of every Christian must pass on the way to the throne of God for a private trial.

Two angels guide the soul along this path. Each of the ordeals, the number of which is 20, is controlled by demons - unclean spirits trying to take the soul going through the ordeals to hell. In the words of St. Theophan the Recluse: “No matter how wild the thought of ordeals seems to smart people, but they cannot be avoided.” The Catholic Church does not recognize the doctrine of ordeals.

The key dogmatic difference between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches is the “filioque” (lat. filioque - “and the Son”) - an addition to the Latin translation of the Creed adopted by the Western (Roman) Church in the 11th century in the dogma of the Trinity: about the procession of the Holy Spirit not only from God the Father, but "from the Father and the Son."

Pope Benedict VIII included the term "filioque" in the Creed in 1014, which caused a storm of indignation on the part of Orthodox theologians.

It was the filioque that became the “stumbling block” and caused the final division of the churches in 1054.

It was finally established at the so-called "unifying" councils - Lyons (1274) and Ferrara-Florentine (1431-1439).

In modern Catholic theology, the attitude towards the filioque, oddly enough, has changed a lot. So, on August 6, 2000, the Catholic Church published the declaration “Dominus Iesus” (“Lord Jesus”). The author of this declaration was Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI).

In this document, in the second paragraph of the first part, the text of the Creed without the filioque is given: "Et in Spiritum Sanctum, Dominum et vivificantem, qui ex Patre procedit, qui cum Patre et Filio simul adoratur et conglorificatur, qui locutus est per prophetas" . (“And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who, together with the Father and the Son, is to be worshiped and glorified, who spoke through the prophets.”)

No official, conciliar decisions followed this declaration, so the situation with the filioque remains the same.

The main difference between the Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church is that the head of the Orthodox Church is Jesus Christ, in Catholicism the church is headed by the vicar of Jesus Christ, its visible head (Vicarius Christi), the Pope of Rome.

Officially, the division of the Christian Church into Eastern (Orthodox) and Western (Roman Catholic) happened in 1054, with the participation of Pope Leo IX and Patriarch Michael Cerularius. It became the finale in the contradictions long overdue between the two religious centers the Roman Empire that had collapsed by the 5th century - Rome and Constantinople.

There were serious disagreements between them both in the field of dogma and in terms of the organization of church life.

After the transfer of the capital from Rome to Constantinople in 330, the clergy began to come to the fore in the socio-political life of Rome. In 395, when the empire actually collapsed, Rome became the official capital of its western part. But political instability soon led to the fact that the actual administration of these territories was in the hands of the bishops and the pope.

In many ways, this was the reason for the claims of the papacy to the supremacy over all Christian Church. These claims were rejected by the East, although from the first centuries of Christianity, the authority of the Pope in the West and in the East was very great: without his approval, not a single ecumenical council could open and close.

Cultural background

Church historians note that in the western and eastern regions of the empire, Christianity developed differently, under the powerful influence of two cultural traditions - Hellenic and Roman. The "Hellenic world" perceived the Christian doctrine as a certain philosophy, opening the way for the unity of man with God.

This explains the abundance of theological works of the Fathers of the Eastern Church, aimed at comprehending this unity, achieving "deification". They often show the influence Greek philosophy. Such "theological curiosity" sometimes led to heretical deviations, which were rejected by the Councils.

The world of Roman Christianity, in the words of the historian Bolotov, experienced "the influence of the Romanesque on the Christian." The "Roman world" perceived Christianity in a more "juridical-legal" manner, methodically building the Church as a kind of social and legal institution. Professor Bolotov writes that Roman theologians "understood Christianity as a God-revealed program of social organization."

Roman theology was characterized by "jurisprudence", including the relation of God to man. It was expressed in the fact that good deeds were understood here as a person's merits before God, and repentance was not enough to forgive sins.

Later, the concept of redemption was formed, following the example of Roman law, which based the relationship between God and man on the categories of guilt, redemption and merit. These nuances gave rise to differences in dogmatics. But, in addition to these differences, the banal struggle for power and the personal claims of the hierarchs on both sides eventually became the cause of division.

Main differences

Today, Catholicism has many ritual and dogmatic differences from Orthodoxy, but we will consider the most important ones.

The first difference consists in a different understanding of the principle of the unity of the Church. In the Orthodox Church there is no single earthly head (Christ is considered its head). It has "primates" - patriarchs of local, independent from each other Churches - Russian, Greek, etc.

The Catholic Church (from the Greek "katholikos" - "universal") is one, and considers the presence of a visible head, which is the Pope, to be the basis of its unity. This dogma is called "primacy (primacy) of the Pope". The opinion of the Pope on matters of faith is recognized by Catholics as "infallible" - that is, infallible.

Symbol of faith

Also, the Catholic Church added to the text of the Creed, adopted at the Nicene Ecumenical Council, the phrase about the procession of the Holy Spirit from the Father and the Son (“filioque”). The Orthodox Church recognizes the procession only from the Father. Although individual holy fathers of the East recognized the "filioque" (for example, Maximus the Confessor).

Life after death

In addition, Catholicism has adopted the dogma of purgatory: a temporary state in which souls remain after death, not ready for paradise.

the Virgin Mary

An important discrepancy is also that in the Catholic Church there is a dogma about the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, which affirms the original absence of original sin in the Mother of God. Orthodox, glorifying holiness Mother of God, believe that he was inherent in Her, like all people. Also, this Catholic dogma is in conflict with the fact that Christ was half a man.

Indulgence

In the Middle Ages, in Catholicism, the doctrine of the “super-due merits of the saints” took shape: the “stock of good deeds” that the saints performed. The Church manages this "reserve" in order to make up for the lack of "good deeds" of repentant sinners.

From here grew the doctrine of indulgences - liberation from temporal punishment for sins in which a person repented. In the Renaissance, there was a misunderstanding of indulgence as the possibility of remission of sins for money and without confession.

Celibacy

Catholicism forbids marriage of clergy (celibate priesthood). In the Orthodox Church, marriage is prohibited only for monastic priests and hierarchs.

outer part

As for the rites, Catholicism recognizes both the worship of the Latin rite (Mass) and the Byzantine (Greek Catholics).

Liturgy in the Orthodox Church is served on prosphora (leavened bread), Catholic worship - on unleavened bread (unleavened bread).

Catholics practice Communion under two types: only the Body of Christ (for the laity), and the Body and Blood (for the clergy).

Catholics make the sign of the cross from left to right, Orthodox - vice versa.

There are fewer fasts in Catholicism, and they are softer than in Orthodoxy.

An organ is used in Catholic worship.

Despite these and other differences that have accumulated over the centuries, Orthodox and Catholics have a lot in common. Moreover, something was borrowed by Catholics from the East (for example, the doctrine of the ascension of the Virgin).

Almost all local Orthodox churches(except Russian) live, like Catholics, according to Gregorian calendar. Both denominations recognize each other's Sacraments.

The division of the Church is a historical and unresolved tragedy of Christianity. After all, Christ prayed for the unity of His disciples, who are all who strive to fulfill His commandments and confess Him to be the Son of God: “May they all be one, as You, Father, in Me, and I in You, so they may be one in Us - May the world believe that You have sent Me."