Eastern Orthodox Churches Highlight Papal Primacy Dispute in Theological Discussions

The theological and ecclesiological differences between Eastern Orthodoxy and Catholicism remain a significant point of contention. A recent article by Carl Bunderson for Catholic News Agency highlighted these divisions, particularly focusing on the role of the Bishop of Rome, or the Pope. The Catholic Church emphasizes the Pope’s primacy as the successor of St. Peter, a foundational role in Western Christianity. This papal authority was formally defined at the First Vatican Council in 1870, which declared the Pope’s infallibility when speaking ex cathedra.

In contrast, the Eastern Orthodox Church adheres to a conciliar model of governance. For them, unity is achieved through shared faith and sacramental communion rather than a centralized authority. The Orthodox view the Bishop of Rome as one of many bishops, holding a primacy of honor rather than universal jurisdiction. This distinction underscores a fundamental difference in how each tradition understands the structure and leadership of the Church.

The recent “Holy and Great Council” in Crete, however, revealed the complexities within the Orthodox community. Jurisdictional disputes and national interests led to the absence of several Orthodox churches, including those from Antioch, Bulgaria, and Moscow. The Moscow Patriarchate, which oversees nearly two-thirds of all Orthodox Christians, has been in public disagreement with the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople for years. These tensions raise concerns about the potential for a schism between these two major Orthodox bodies.

Additionally, the Orthodox Church faces internal challenges, with several smaller patriarchates formally out of communion with one another. The lack of a unified doctrine on primacy complicates efforts to resolve inter-ecclesial disputes or organize official gatherings. This fragmentation highlights the ongoing struggles within the Orthodox tradition to maintain cohesion and address shared concerns.

Beyond the issue of papal primacy, other theological differences persist, including debates over Purgatory, the Immaculate Conception, the nature of Original Sin, and the La. These topics reflect deeper theological disagreements that continue to shape the relationship between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. As the Orthodox community navigates these challenges, the path toward greater unity remains uncertain.

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