– In 1054, the Greek Orthodox church split from the Roman Catholic church.
– Catholics believe the Pope is infallible. Orthodox believes the Pope is fallible.
– Decisions in the Orthodox are made by a local bishops, the synod.
– Catholics believe Mary was born without sin (Immaculate Conception).
– Orthodox believes Mary was not born without sin.
– Catholics believe in purgatory. Orthodox do not believe in purgatory.
– Catholic priests cannot marry. Orthodox priests can marry.
– Greek Orthodox and Russian Orthodox are part of Eastern Orthodox.
– Full name of Eastern Orthodox is “The Orthodox Catholic Church”.
– Orthodox is a combination of two Greek words, orthos (straight) and doxa (worship).
– There are some 250 million Orthodox Christians in the world.
– Most Christians in Greece, Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia, Russia and Ukraine are Orthodox.
– Orthodox reject the idea that God can be known by human reasoning.
– Roman Catholicism places a high value on human reason.
– Roman Catholicism views the sacraments as necessary for salvation and the reception of God’s grace.
– Eastern Orthodoxy the sacraments are not seen as meritorious but instead as bringing one into the presence of Christ.
Links:
Catholic & Orthodox – Google answers
Differences Between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches Written for a Seventh Grade
What are the differences between Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism?
Greek Orthodox, Catholic churches have specific differences
Differences between Orthodox and Catholics
Orthodox Info
Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism
About Orthodoxy
FAQ about Orthodox Church
Eastern Orthodoxy