Akathistos

When one takes a quick look at the Catholic and Orthodox churches, they seem quite similar; basic beliefs and practices resemble one another and they can be linked directly to the apostles and those that followed them.
- One major difference is that of the Pope; he has authority and infallibility regarding matters of doctrine within the church. In the Orthodox church, throughout history, the bishops have always used council to make decisions. There is no person such as a Pope in the Orthodox church.
- Another doctrine that you will find only in the Catholic church is that of Mary having been born of a mother also without sin, called the Immaculate Conception. Though, for me, this doesn’t hold much weight or affect my faith; however, it is one area where Orthodox christians do not agree with Catholics. And to add to this, despite many misconseptions, the Orthodox church does not hold Mary as an equal with Christ. Mary, according to my own understanding, is a woman to be admired and praised due to her sinless and blameless life. Of all the women in time, God chose her above all to bring his only son into the world. What an honor to bestoy upon any human being. This is why she must be uplifted and praised. I have always felt this way about Mary, even before stepping foot into an Orthodox church.
- From my understanding (which is lacking in many areas) one other areas in which the churches differ is that of confession. Though both practice this tradition, many Catholics use it more as a requirement for their faith than for the betterment of their spiritual life. (Mind you, I am only an on looker in this scenario. I still have much to learn about this as I have never participated in confession.) Metropolitan Innocent of Moscow explains confession this way: “Confession is the oral avowal of one’s sins which lie heavy upon the conscience. Repentance cleanses the soul and makes it ready to receive the Holy Spirit, but confession, so to speak, only empties the soul of sins.” The Orthodox Church has always followed the New Testament practices of confession before a priest as well as private confession to the Lord. Confession is one of the most significant means of repenting, and receiving assurance that even our sins are truly forgiven. It is also one of our most powerful aids to forsaking and overcoming those sins.

There are many other differences, but these seem to be the most prevelant. I’ve often looked at it this way: The Orthodox church is the original church. It has remained the same for thousands of years and to this day uses liturgy that is over a thousand years old. For some this may make is “irrelevant”. The only way to understand the present is to look at our past. To understand it. To embrace it. Would you throw out a tradition that has been passed down from your great-grandparent because is was outdated? Would you toss old photos of loves ones because they are of the past? No. You would treasure these things. This is how we must treat our faith. To surround ourselves by the teachings of past Church Fathers and those who are named saints is a way to better understand God. Understanding the faith of the thousands that have gone before us will help us to better determine our futures. I plan to have a future with my God. I plan to do so through the Orthodox Church. These are my plans at present. My reasons may change, but for now, in my limited understanding of the Church, I have decided to follow this path toward redemption, knowledge, grace, understanding, mystery, and directly toward the Trinity.

“O Lord God almighty…I bless you and glorify you through the eternal and heavenly high priest Jesus Christ, your beloved Son, through whom be glory to you, with Him and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever” Polycarp (70-160). Bishop of Smyrna disciple of John the Apostle.