The Differences Between an Orthodox Church and a Catholic Church

THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AN ORTHODOX CHURCH AND A CATHOLIC CHURCH

When Catholics visit an Orthodox church they notice a number of features that make them different from their own churches. Instructions: In the left hand column are some features of an Orthodox church. Read each one carefully and in the right hand column describe how things are different in a Catholic church.

ORTHODOX CHURCH CATHOLIC CHURCH Standing The congregation (people) stand for almost the entire service – often churches will be without seats or kneelers.

The Sign of the Cross Orthodox Christians make the sign of the cross from right to left. The thumb and the first two fingertips are pressed together; the last two fingertips are pressed down to the palm.

Veneration On entering a church the people venerate (honour) icons of Jesus, Mary and the saints by repeatedly crossing themselves and kissing the holy images.

Icons Sacred images of Karaiti, Mary or the saints.

Iconostasis A wall or screen of icons called the iconostasis separates the altar from the congregation. The Liturgy of the Word is celebrated in front of the iconostasis, but the Liturgy of the Eucharist takes place behind it. This adds to the sense of mystery. Royal Doors These are usually three sets of doors in the iconostasis. The middle set are called “royal” or “holy” doors. It is through these that the priest brings Holy Communion to the congregation. For other parts of the service, such as the Liturgy of the Word, the two doors on either side are used. THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AN ORTHODOX CHURCH AND A CATHOLIC CHURCH - ANSWERS

When Catholics visit an Orthodox church they notice a number of features that make them different from their own churches. Instructions: In the left hand column are some features of an Orthodox church. Read each one carefully and in the right hand column describe how things are different in a Catholic church.

ORTHODOX CHURCH CATHOLIC CHURCH Standing During a Catholic service people will knee, sit The congregation (people) stand for almost the and stand. E.g standing for the Gospel, sit for entire service – often churches will be without the first readings and the homily, stand during seats or kneelers. the Liturgy of the Eucharistic but kneel after for silent reflection. The Sign of the Cross Catholic make the sign of the cross with their Orthodox Christians make the sign of the cross right hand, from left to right. The hand is flat from right to left. The thumb and the first two when this is done. fingertips are pressed together; the last two fingertips are pressed down to the palm.

Veneration When Catholics enter a church they bless On entering a church the people venerate themselves with holy water. Before entering (honour) icons of Jesus, Mary and the saints the pew they will genuflect in the direction of by repeatedly crossing themselves and kissing the tabernacle or the crucifix. the holy images.

Icons In Catholic churches there are statues of Mary Sacred images of Karaiti, Mary or the saints. and perhaps other saints and some holy pictures or pictures of the pope.

Iconostasis There is no barrier between the altar and the A wall or screen of icons called the iconostasis congregation. Scripture is read from the separates the altar from the congregation. The lectern and the Liturgy of the Eucharist takes Liturgy of the Word is celebrated in front of the place on the altar where all people can see. iconostasis, but the Liturgy of the Eucharist takes place behind it. This adds to the sense of mystery. Royal Doors There are no doors that separate the priest These are usually three sets of doors in the from the people. The priest and ministers of iconostasis. The middle sets are called “royal” the Eucharist bring communion to the people or “holy” doors. It is through these that the from in front of the altar – people line up to priest brings Holy Communion to the receive it. congregation. For other parts of the service, such as the Liturgy of the Word, the two doors on either side are used.