Latin Christian and Russian Orthodox Traditions - Term Paper Example

Rivalry between the Roman popes and the patriarchs of Constantinople for leadership in the Christian world initiated the split of the Christian Church.  The Latin Christian church was formed finally in 1054. Historically, Orthodoxy presents the eastern branch of Christianity. It is distributed mainly in Eastern Europe, Middle East and the Balkans. First, the name "Orthodox" (from Greek) appeared in II century.  The Orthodox Christianity did not have a single church center. Ecclesiastical power was concentrated in the hands of four patriarchs.

 With the collapse of the Byzantine Empire, each of the patriarchs headed an independent (autocephalous) Orthodox Church. Prince of Kiev, Vladimir Svyatoslavovych, established Orthodoxy as a state religion in Russia. On his orders, Byzantine clergy baptized people in the capital of Ancient Russia, Kiev, in 988. Both Christian communities accept the basic Christian doctrine and sacramental. Religious life includes magnificent church services, the worship of many saints and holy relics. The confession of the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and the worship of Christ, the Savior, who suffered, died, resurrected from the dead and ascended into heaven is the gospel truth for any believer of the Christian communities.

It is the same regarding the acceptance of the doctrines, such as: Mary is the Mother of God as Christ is God incarnate; the Bible is the inspired word of God; the Holy Spirit dwells in the Church and guides it through the ages; Mary, being Mother of God, is the greatest of the saints. Both Churches profess seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation/ Chrismation, Eucharist, Holy Orders, Matrimony, Anointing of the Sick. Nevertheless, along with similarities, there are some differences in the main creeds, cults, and organization of the Latin and the Orthodox Christian Churches.

The most significant differences are that the Latin Christians accept the Bishop of Rome as the spiritual leader of the Church, while the Orthodox look to the Patriarch of Constantinople, but only as "First Among Equals" rather than as a pope. The Latin Church holds that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both Father and Son whilst Orthodoxy teaches that the Spirit proceeds only from the Father. Latin Christians state that Mary was full of grace (sinless) from conception whilst Orthodox Church would tend to say that she entered this state only after accepting God's wish that she become Theotokos (Mother of God).

Latin Christianity tends to be prescriptive whilst Orthodoxy is mystical, however, both believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Married men may be ordained as Orthodox priests (but not bishops) whilst in Latin Christianity only single men may be ordained. The style of worship in Orthodoxy is more elaborate. Regardless of the existing theological and non-theological differences, both Christian confessions consider sacramental rituals, the cult of saints, icons and relics a priority.

Moreover, the concept of saints is common to all branches of Christianity. The Apostle's Creed affirmed by all Christian denominations, states belief in the "communion of saints." In Christian doctrine, the term "saints" refers to all deceased persons who are now in heaven. Saints are special group of holy people, who are