WHI: SOL 7d

Eastern vs. Western Church

Great Schism

• 1054 a.d.- a schism or split between eastern and western Christianity

• Eastern Christianity became the Greek Orthodox

• Western Christianity became the Roman Catholic Church

Eastern Church

• Centered in Constantinople• Close to seat of power after Constantinople

became capital• Use of Greek language in the liturgy• No use of icons• “Patriarch” is leader of the Greek Orthodox

faith (appointed by Byzantine emperor)

Western Church

• Centered in Rome• Farther from seat of power after

Constantinople became capital• Use of Latin language in the liturgy• Use of icons in prayer and practice• “Pope” is the head of the church (all

Christians)

Division between Western and Eastern Churches

• Authority of the Pope eventually accepted in the West

• Authority of the Patriarch accepted in the East• Practices such as celibacy (for priests)

eventually accepted in the West

• What factors produced the division within the Christian Church?