Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox

[Turgonian]

What are the best sources to read if I want to know why exactly we are separated (what it means and how it happened), and/or what are the steps that must be taken towards reunification?

I don't mind if it's polemical (for either side), as long as it's accurate, insightful, and broadly informative.

[Maxentius]

What are the best sources to read if I want to know why exactly we are separated (what it means and how it happened), and/or what are the steps that must be taken towards reunification?

I don't mind if it's polemical (for either side), as long as it's accurate, insightful, and broadly informative.

Try http://energeticprocession.wordpress.com/

It is a blog by an EO philosopher. It is my impression he is very well read. He may even be able to point you to other sources.

[hedrick]

Try http://energeticprocession.wordpress.com/

It is a blog by an EO philosopher. It is my impression he is very well read. He may even be able to point you to other sources.

Well read maybe, but when I look at cases where he talks about Protestants that I know, I'm not so sure he understood what he read. I'd stick with people who are recognized scholars, such as Timothy Ware. His book The Orthodox Faith seems to me to make clear the differences between Orthodoxy and other branches of Christianity.

As for what is needed for unification: there's a certain amount of interest on both sides about that currently. I haven't followed it, as I'm neither Catholic nor Orthodox, but I know that in discussions between Catholics and both Reformed and Lutherans there were joint study groups that published some documents. I'd think there might be such a thing involving Catholics and Orthodox as well.

[Jawa Man]

Well read maybe, but when I look at cases where he talks about Protestants that I know, I'm not so sure he understood what he read. I'd stick with people who are recognized scholars, such as Timothy Ware. His book The Orthodox Faith seems to me to make clear the differences between Orthodoxy and other branches of Christianity.

As for what is needed for unification: there's a certain amount of interest on both sides about that currently. I haven't followed it, as I'm neither Catholic nor Orthodox, but I know that in discussions between Catholics and both Reformed and Lutherans there were joint study groups that published some documents. I'd think there might be such a thing involving Catholics and Orthodox as well.

I think Max is right; that blog has one great entry on the division that basically sums up the cause (from memory anyway; I can't find it.)

Usually joint theological commissions between Catholics and Orthodox do not publish results which are highly viewed by much of Orthodoxy. In my opinion the best short works to read on the subject are the Patriarchal letters of the late 19th centuries:

http://orthodoxinfo.com/ecumenism/encyc_1848.aspx
http://orthodoxinfo.com/ecumenism/encyc_1895.aspx

[Catholicity]

A couple of great sources would be Catholic Answers, and then do a search for the Eastern Orthodox/Ecuminism. I've learned a lot about the Eastern Orthodox Faith, and the how's whats and why's. The differences are minor, but it is much much like a Lutheran and a Methodist. For Comparison

[mostlyharmless]

A couple of great sources would be Catholic Answers, and then do a search for the Eastern Orthodox/Ecuminism. I've learned a lot about the Eastern Orthodox Faith, and the how's whats and why's. The differences are minor, but it is much much like a Lutheran and a Methodist. For Comparison

You just have to be careful about what you read. The fact is that the RCC and the OC are not in communion. Various people give different reasons for this continued lack of communion.

People on the extremes will say all sort of minor things are actually of major importance, often related to liturgical practices. People who have a less extreme view will point to the fact that there are some differences between the way that both churches understand authority and infallibility within the church. I would be very wary of paying to much attention to those who pretend the issues are simple.

I admit though when I'm talking with people who don't know much about Christian history or theology I usually say Orthodoxy is like Roman Catholicism without the Pope. That generally gives them an idea.

Blessings

[mostlyharmless]

What are the best sources to read if I want to know why exactly we are separated (what it means and how it happened), and/or what are the steps that must be taken towards reunification?

I don't mind if it's polemical (for either side), as long as it's accurate, insightful, and broadly informative.

I would suggest you read something like Jaroslav Pelikan's The Christian Tradition (first 3 books) for a good overview of the development and changes in Christian doctrine and combine it with a good history of the Church. Most of these types of works do not cover the east-west split adequately though. I have heard some good things about "The Church in History" series which tries to give a balanced history of both east and west. Book 2 and 3 appear to be the ones to read. Include a good history that is more typically western too as a balance.

Once you have this broad overview start reading specific works on particular issues. Its very difficult for anyone to say 'exactly' why the east-west split happened which is why I suggest reading material which will give you a much broader understanding of both the history and the different approaches to Christianity in the east and west.

Blessings

[Rusty T]

Don't forget to pray about it. Truth is important, and should be diligently sought after.

[Turgonian]

Thanks for all the recommendations.

[mitzi]

What are the best sources to read if I want to know why exactly we are separated (what it means and how it happened), and/or what are the steps that must be taken towards reunification?

I don't mind if it's polemical (for either side), as long as it's accurate, insightful, and broadly informative.

You might start with this website:

Met. Hilarion: An Alliance of Faith (Orthodox – Catholic Cooperation)
http://www.aoiusa.org/blog/2011/03/m...c-cooperation/

[Rdr. Arsenios]

You might start with this website:

Met. Hilarion: An Alliance of Faith (Orthodox – Catholic Cooperation)
http://www.aoiusa.org/blog/2011/03/m...c-cooperation/

That is the very same Bp Hilarion Alfayev who is the classic Russian composer of the Passion of St. Matthew...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsUbmCoMP1Y

He wrote a Catechism of the Orthodox Faith as well...

This is an extraordinary person by ANY standards...

Arsenios

[mitzi]

That is the very same Bp Hilarion Alfayev who is the classic Russian composer of the Passion of St. Matthew...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsUbmCoMP1Y

He wrote a Catechism of the Orthodox Faith as well...

This is an extraordinary person by ANY standards...

Arsenios

Thank you - I'm listening to the music a second time while I'm writing to you! The music is amazing - This is the beginning of ‘St Matthew Passion’ by Bishop Hilarion Alfeyev. Conductor: Vladimir Fedosseyev. Performed in the Great Hall of Moscow Conservatoire on 27 March 2008.

"On 7 May 2003 he was appointed Bishop of Vienna and Austria, administrator of the Diocese of Budapest and Hungary, in addition to his position in Brussels, which he continues to hold.
On March 31, 2009 he was appointed the Bishop of Volokolamsk, the Vicar to His Holiness the Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus, the chairman of the Department of the External Church Relations (the position previously held by the current Patriarch Kirill himself), and a permanent member of the Holy Synod, ex officio.

On Easter Monday, 2009 was raised to an archbishop by Patriarch Kirill during the Divine Liturgy in The Dormition Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. On 1 February 2010, at a Liturgy to celebrate the first anniversary of the enthronement of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, he was raised to the rank of Metropolitan." LINK




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By the way Tsoureki - Greek Easter Bread is like the Houska (Czech Easter Bread) but my mother said (as I remember) that the Houska bread is for Christmas? At least my grandmother and mom made it the same way. I wonder if you know any about this tradition - Greek Orthodox Easter - Easter Traditions & Recipes

I wonder if this is an Eastern Orthodox tradition by the way the bread is made and also I know there's a story behind it and why its made only on certain occasions. (edit)

[mitzi]

That is the very same Bp Hilarion Alfayev who is the classic Russian composer of the Passion of St. Matthew...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsUbmCoMP1Y

He wrote a Catechism of the Orthodox Faith as well...

This is an extraordinary person by ANY standards...

Arsenios

Also, I was reading about the octave of Easter - Orthodox:

"In the Eastern Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox and certain Eastern Catholic churches, the first Sunday after Pascha (Easter) is known as Thomas Sunday, after the Gospel passage read that day (John 20:19-31) which recounts the story of Christ appearing to the Apostle Thomas in order to dispel his doubt about the Resurrection. Among Eastern Christians Thomas is not so much remembered as "doubting Thomas," but is rather remembered for his confession of faith: "My Lord and my God," thus being the first to publicly proclaim the two natures of Christ: human and divine.

The entire week from Pascha to Thomas Sunday, known as Bright Week, is considered to be one continuous day. The hymns chanted every day are identical to those chanted on the Sunday of Pascha, with the exception of a few parts that are taken from the Octoechos (the "Book of the Eight Tones"). Each day has a different tone: Easter Sunday is Tone One, Bright Monday is Tone Two, and so on through the eight tones (skipping Tone Seven, the "Grave Tone"). On Bright Friday, in addition to the normal Paschal hymns, special stichera and a canon in honor of the Theotokos (Mother of God) are chanted in commemoration of her Icon of the "Life-giving Spring." During all of Bright Week the Royal Doors on the Iconostasis are kept open—the only time of the year when this occurs. The doors are closed before the Ninth Hour on the eve of Thomas Sunday. However, the Afterfeast of Pascha will continue until the eve of the Ascension." Octave of Easter

I love Easter - its one of my favorite High Holy Days!

Mitzi
St. Thomas Sunday
by Archbishop Dmitri of Dallas and the South

Questions about St. Thomas Sunday

(The following is a brief reflection on the Gospel reading for the Sunday after Pascha, John 20:19-31)

[mitzi]

That is the very same Bp Hilarion Alfayev who is the classic Russian composer of the Passion of St. Matthew...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsUbmCoMP1Y

He wrote a Catechism of the Orthodox Faith as well...

This is an extraordinary person by ANY standards...

Arsenios

I found my answer about the Tsoureki - Greek Easter Bread

You have to read this article: GREEK EASTER - PASCHA

[Jawa Man]

Bright Week is the most amazing time of the year. Being at a monastery while in seminary, we are able to be there for Liturgy, Vespers and Matins every day. It is so beautiful. The Church in her wisdom keeps this joy for only a week, however, I think because we wouldn't be able to handle this type of joy all year long. I was able to serve 3 days of that week as well, which was like being on a roller coaster! The doors closing on Saturday night is so sad. Fortunately, the Apodosis for the feast, the day before Ascension, is served as if it were Bright Week again, so there's still some more to look forward to.