Are Any Orthodox Churches in Communion With Rome?
When it comes to the relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Churches, there has been a long-standing divide. However, over the centuries, efforts have been made to bridge this gap and establish communion between the two. In this article, we will explore whether any Orthodox Churches are currently in communion with Rome.
The Great Schism
The division between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Churches dates back to the Great Schism of 1054. This schism resulted from a combination of theological, political, and cultural differences that gradually widened over time.
Th
eological Differences:
- The Filioque Controversy: One of the key theological disputes was centered around the inclusion of the phrase “and from the Son” (Filioque) in the Nicene Creed. The Latin Church added this phrase to express their belief in the procession of the Holy Spirit from both the Father and the Son, while Eastern Orthodox Churches argue that it should only be “from the Father.
“
- Papal Authority: The authority of the Pope and his role as head of the Church was another major point of contention. The Roman Catholic Church believes in papal infallibility and universal jurisdiction, whereas Eastern Orthodox Churches maintain a more decentralized model with autonomous bishops.
Efforts Towards Reconciliation
In recent decades, there have been several notable efforts to heal this division and restore communion between Rome and some Eastern Orthodox Churches:
The Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue
This commission was established in 1980 by representatives from both sides with an aim to address theological differences and promote unity. While progress has been made on various issues, the question of papal primacy remains a significant stumbling block.
The Ravenna Document
In 2007, the commission released the “Ravenna Document” which outlined points of agreement on key theological issues. This document recognized that both sides share a common understanding of the sacraments and recognized the role of the Bishop of Rome as “the protos among the patriarchs.”
Orthodox Churches in Communion with Rome
Despite these efforts, as of today, there are no Orthodox Churches in full communion with Rome. However, there have been instances where individual Orthodox clergy or communities have entered into communion with Rome while still maintaining their Orthodox identity.
Examples include:
- The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church: This church was previously part of the Eastern Orthodox tradition but entered into communion with Rome in 1596. It follows Eastern Orthodox liturgical practices but recognizes the authority of the Pope.
- The Melkite Greek Catholic Church: This church is another example of an Eastern Catholic Church that follows Byzantine liturgical traditions while acknowledging the authority of Rome.
Conclusion
The question of whether any Orthodox Churches are currently in communion with Rome remains unresolved. While efforts towards reconciliation continue, significant theological differences and historical divisions still exist. However, individual instances exist where Orthodox clergy or communities have entered into communion with Rome without compromising their Orthodox identity.
It is essential to note that this topic is complex and subject to ongoing discussions and developments within both traditions. Understanding these differences and seeking common ground provides valuable insights into the shared history and aspirations for unity between these two branches of Christianity.