The Great Schism

The Great Schism of the 11th century divided what was simply understood as "Christianity" in the Byzantine Empire into two sects, Roman Catholisism and Eastern Orthodoxy. The Schism was a series of mostly minor disagreements between the two churches that forced the two to split. One major disagreement between the two religions was the insertion of the Filioque Clause in the Nicene Creed. The original clause said "We believe in the Holy Spirit ... who proceeds from the Father", while the ammended clause said "We believe in the Holy Spirit ... who proceeds from the Father and the Son", which was not accepted by Orthodox Christains. Other disputes between the two churches included which religion had juristiction over the Balkans, Southern Italy, and Sicily, weather the Pope was in higher standing than the other patriarchs, the use of unleavened bread for the Eucharist, and the seperation of church and government to name a few.
Partly because of the Filioque Clause , and partly because of the Roman Catholic Church's use of unleavened bread, Patriarch Michael Cerularius closed the Roman Catholic Churches that he had control over. In response to this, three delagates from the Roman Catholic Church went from Rome to Constantinople (the heart of the Eastern Orthodox Church) and in the middle of mass, placed a decleration of excommunication on the altar, which was understood as excommunication of the entire Greek (or Orthodox) church. After that, the two religions were indefinatley split, dispite numerous efforts to reconcile them.

Sources:
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761576891/Schism_Great.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East-West_Schism#Catalysts
http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/Great_Schism

Icons

There are various purposes for icons in the process of Orthodox worshiping. One purpose is to enhance the beauty of the church it’s self. Together with the sweet smell of burning ensence, the sound of the ancient, holy chants and hymns, and the somber feeling of the service the icons are meant to create an atmosphere that takes over the senses and fills you with the Holy Spirit. The Icons are used as a tool for faithful to remember major events and periods in the church and also to remind us for all the sacrifices that were made for us and for our salvation. It is a common misconception that the Orthodox faith worships the Icons, this is not true for that would be idle worshiping, the icons are used almost like a gateway for our prayers and venerations.

Eastern Orthodox Holidays

Since Eastern Orthodoxy and Western Christianity came out of essentially the same religion, they have essentially the same holidays. The only difference is Orthodox Christians go by a different calendar than Western Christians, the Julian calendar, which is a week or so later than the calendar used by Western Christians. Here are a few religious holidays shared by Eastern and Western Christians:
Feast of the Immaculate Conception- Celebration of the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was without sin.
Christmas- Birth of Jesus
Ash Wednesday- Begins Lent, in preparation for Easter.
Good Friday- Marks Jesus’ crucifixion
Easter- Marks Jesus’ resurrection
Ascension Day- 40 days after Easter, marks Jesus’ ascension into heaven

Eastern vs. Western Orthodox

The Eastern Orthodox church and the Western Christian churches have different ideas of the Holy Spirit. Which was the reason that eventually caused the split from one religion into two, the Eastern and Western. The difference was very minor and more of a tidious techinical idea, but it was said to be the contributing factor to the Great Schism(when the Chirch of Christ split into Eastern orthodox and roman Catholosism). The Eastern Orthodox beliefes say that the Holy Spirit proceeds only from The Father, where the Western Christianity believes that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son.

The Canon Law

Canon Law

Although generally referred to as canon law, such a name given to the Church's law suggests a parallel to secular law. It would be more correct to call it the tradition of the holy canons, since they are the object of its concern. This law of the Church, her canonical tradition, is an outgrowth of the holy canons; and it appears on the surface to have much in common with secular law, involving persons invested with authority (bishops), as well as the means of creating, formulating, interpreting, executing, validating, amending and revoking laws (through synods or conciliar actions).

(http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article7071.asp)

The creed

"We believe in one God. The Father Almighty. Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light; true God of true God; begotten not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man. And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried. And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and he shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; whose Kingdom shall have no end


The Creed was created in the first Ecumenical Council, it was created to have a true statement of the beliefs of Orthodoxy. The Creed is recited every liturgy of the sanctified gifts (service where holy communion is offered. Example: Sunday Divine Liturgy.

For more information visit http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article8062.asp

Top 10 things to know about Eastern Orthodox

1. INTRODUCTION - Introduces the non Orthodox to Orthodox Christianity.
2. HOUSE OF GOD - Describes the interior of the church building.
3. WORSHIP - Discusses the form and characteristics of Orthodox worship.
4. LITURGY - Describes the meaning and celebration of the Eucharist.
5. SACRAMENTS - Describes the meaning and importance of liturgical life.
6. SPECIAL SERVICES AND BLESSINGS - Describes the non-sacramental services which contribute to spiritual life.
7. TEACHINGS - Outlines the salient points of doctrine and basic credal affirmations.
8. SPIRITUALITY - Discusses the meaning of theosis as the goal of Christian life.
9. HISTORY - Sketches the great epochs of Orthodoxy.
10. THE CHURCH - Outlines the procedure for becoming a member of the Orthodox Church

(http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article7102.asp)