Different "forms" Of Catholicism

[Wynd]

It is my understanding that there is Roman Catholicism, and Eastern Catholicism. Also, there are the Russian/Greek Orthodox churches. I don't know much about the schism in 1054, etc. How do they all relate to each other?

[Pio Nono]

JMJ

1/14 - First Wednesday

You are correct, there are a number of churches which have rites separate from the Roman Rite. I believe there are about 28 when all is said and done - five Western Rites (Carmelite, Dominican, Tridentine, Pauline (normative) and a small Anglican communion) and 23 Eastern Rites (I couldn't even start ).

These Rites are typically local customs which have stayed; they are not separate churches or "denominations" in the modern sense of the word. Thus, the Eastern (Greek) Catholics are a Rite separate from Rome while sharing the same beliefs with Rome and declaring the Pope the Vicar of Christ. This is true for all Rites claiming communion with Rome.

The Orthodox Churches (most prominently the Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches) share many of the same beliefs as the Roman Church but are not in communion with Her as they do not believe in the authority of the Pope as understood by the Church. These churches are said to be in schism, and the greatest form of this schism was in 1054; however, both churches mutually lifted their excommunications in the 1970s. They do not seem to be heretical as they share enough of our beliefs - though if I need correction on this point I ask for it.

Interestingly enough, until the middle of the 19th century, the Anglican communion was considered in schism with Rome. Only when they changed their ordination ritual did they fall completely out of communion with Rome as they no longer had valid priests and bishops. Orders (deacons, priests and bishops), though, are not enough to keep an ecclesial community in communion with Rome, as there is a small group of Lutherans in northern Denmark that retain apostolic succession but otherwise are completely separated from the Church. Finally, pray for the unity of Christians - this is a most urgent form of apostolate today. I hope this answers your question.

Yours,

Pio Nono

[BLAZEr]

Cool. We've got another Church Scholar. Welcome Pio Nono. Good Answer!

[Pio Nono]

JMJ

1/16 - First Friday

Guten morgen, BLAZEr; thank you kindly for your remarks. :)