On what matters did the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church agree?
The Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church agreed on several matters, including:
1. The belief in the Holy Trinity: Both churches hold the same basic understanding of God as being three persons in one – the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.
2. The divinity of Jesus Christ: Both churches profess that Jesus Christ is fully divine and fully human, the Son of God who became incarnate for the salvation of humanity.
3. The authority of Scripture: Both churches recognize the Holy Bible as authoritative and inspired by God, although they have different canonical traditions and interpretations.
4. The sacraments: Both churches observe seven sacraments – baptism, confirmation, Eucharist (Communion), confession, anointing of the sick, matrimony, and ordination.
5. The essential role of the Church: Both churches agree on the importance of the Church as the Body of Christ, a divine institution necessary for the salvation of believers.
6. The veneration of saints: Both churches honor and venerate saints, considering them as holy and righteous individuals who can intercede with God on behalf of believers.
7. The sanctity of marriage: Both churches regard marriage as a sacred bond between a man and a woman, intended to be lifelong.
It's important to note that while these points of agreement exist, the Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church have differed on several other theological, political, and cultural matters, resulting in their historical split known as the Great Schism of 1054.
The Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church agreed on several matters. Here are some important areas of agreement:
1. Trinity: Both Churches affirm the belief in the Holy Trinity, which consists of God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit.
2. Nicene Creed: Both Churches accept the Nicene Creed, which is a statement of faith that outlines the core beliefs of Christianity. This includes the belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
3. Seven Sacraments: Both Churches recognize the seven sacraments as fundamental to the spiritual life of believers. These sacraments include baptism, confirmation, Eucharist (Communion), reconciliation, anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony.
4. Holy Scriptures: Both Churches hold the Bible as a sacred text, consisting of the Old and New Testaments. Although differences exist in the canon of the Old Testament, the Holy Scriptures are revered and considered authoritative in both traditions.
5. Apostolic Succession: Both Churches uphold the concept of apostolic succession, whereby the authority and teaching of the apostles are passed down through the bishops. They believe in a hierarchical structure led by bishops, with the Pope as the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the Patriarch as the head of the Eastern Orthodox Church.
It's important to note that while there are similarities and areas of agreement, there are also significant theological, historical, and doctrinal differences between the two Churches, which led to their separation in 1054 AD during the Great Schism.