The Great Schism

### The Great Schism of 1054

#### What was the Great Schism?
The Great Schism, also known as the East-West Schism, was the division of Christianity into Western (Roman Catholic) and Eastern (Eastern Orthodox) branches in the year 1054. This theological and political split arose from a combination of cultural, theological, and political differences between the Latin-speaking West and the Greek-speaking East, culminating in mutual excommunications between the Pope in Rome and the Patriarch of Constantinople.

#### What was the significance of the Schism?
The significance of the Great Schism lies in its enduring impact on Christianity and Western civilization. It formalized the separation between the two major branches of Christianity, which diverged in practices, beliefs, and governance. This division has shaped Christian history and has had lasting consequences on religious, cultural, and political landscapes in Europe and beyond.

#### What are the differences?

**EAST (Eastern Orthodox)**
- **Theology & Practices:** Emphasis on the authority of the Ecumenical Councils and the tradition of the Church. Use of leavened bread in the Eucharist. Veneration of icons.
- **Governance:** Governed by a system of autocephalous (self-headed) churches, each led by a bishop. No single leader holds supreme authority.
- **Language & Culture:** Predominantly Greek and Slavic languages, with a focus on the cultural heritage of the Byzantine Empire.

**WEST (Roman Catholic)**
- **Theology & Practices:** Centrality of the Pope as the spiritual leader and ultimate authority. Use of unleavened bread in the Eucharist. Focus on the doctrine of original sin and purgatory.
- **Governance:** Hierarchical structure under the leadership of the Pope in Rome, who wields central authority over the entire Church.
- **Language & Culture:** Predominantly Latin in liturgy and texts, with influences from the Roman cultural and legal systems.

### The Final Straw
#### What happened to "peak the disagreement"?
The peak of the disagreement occurred when Pope Leo IX and Patriarch Michael I Cerularius of Constantinople excommunicated each other in 1054. The excommunication was precipitated by ongoing disputes over the use of leavened versus unleavened bread in the Eucharist, the Pope's claim to universal authority over the Church, and various political tensions. This event formally marked the schism between the Western and Eastern branches of Christianity.

#### Why was it bad to be "excommunicated"?
Being excommunicated meant being officially cut off from the sacraments and the communion of the Church. This was viewed as a grave punishment, as it was believed to jeopardize one's salvation. Excommunicated individuals were also socially ostracized, as the Church played a central role in community life and governance during this period.

### What were 2 results of the Split?
1. **Formation of Distinct Church Bodies:** The split led to the establishment of the Roman Catholic Church in the West and the Eastern Orthodox Church in the East, along with their respective theological doctrines, liturgical practices, and governance structures.

2. **Cultural Divergence:** The schism contributed to a growing cultural and political divide between Eastern and Western Europe, influencing language, art, governance, and the eventual rise of nationalism in these regions.

### Why is this important to us now?
The Great Schism is important today because it laid the foundation for the religious dynamics in modern Christianity, influencing inter-denominational relations and ecumenical dialogues. Understanding the historical roots of these divisions is crucial for addressing contemporary issues within Christianity and promoting unity among various Christian traditions. Additionally, the cultural and geopolitical divisions stemming from the Schism continue to shape relationships between Eastern and Western nations, affecting global politics and cultural exchanges.