The Great Schism of 1054

Question

2. East-West Differences
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
WEST
- 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.

- Theology & Practices: Centrality of the Pope as the spiritual leader and ultimate authority. . Focus on the of sin.

- 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.

3. The Final Straw
4. The Results?
What happened to “peak the disagreement"?

Why was it bad to be “excommunicated”?

What were 2 results of the Split?

Why is this important to us now?

The Great Schism
As you watch the first video look for 5 reasons the East split from the West





Draw 4 images that sum up the split between Eastern and Western Rome

Answer 1

3. The Final Straw

The events leading up to the Great Schism were characterized by growing tensions between the Eastern and Western branches of Christianity. The "final straw" can be largely attributed to several factors:

1. The Filioque Controversy: This theological debate centered on the phrase "and the Son" added to the Nicene Creed by the Western church, which stated that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son, whereas the Eastern church maintained that the Holy Spirit proceeds solely from the Father. This difference in understanding the Trinity was seen as a significant theological deviation.

2. Cultural Differences: The Latin West and the Greek East developed distinct cultural identities over the centuries, leading to mutual misunderstandings and growing estrangement. The Latin Influence was often perceived as authoritarian, while the Eastern approach was more communal and council-based.

3. Authority Issues: The Western Church emphasized the supremacy of the Pope as the spiritual leader, while the Eastern Church operated through a system of autocephalous (self-governing) churches with multiple bishops. This difference in governance and authority led to conflicts over ecclesiastical jurisdiction and influence.

4. Political Tensions: The relationship between the Byzantine Empire and the Papacy was strained, especially during the time of the Crusades, as Western powers often sought to dominate Eastern Christians. This political backdrop fueled resentment and distrust.

5. Mutual Excommunications: The culmination of these tensions occurred in 1054 when Pope Leo IX's representative excommunicated the Patriarch of Constantinople, Michael Cerularius, who in turn excommunicated the papal legate. This act solidified the division between the two branches of Christianity.

Why was it bad to be “excommunicated”?

Excommunication carried profound consequences for individuals within the Church. Being excommunicated meant that a person was cut off from the sacraments of the Church, which were believed to be necessary for salvation. This effectively placed the excommunicated individual in a state of spiritual peril, as they could not partake in the Eucharist or receive last rites. In a broader sense, excommunication signified a complete rupture of community and fellowship with other believers, leading to social and moral isolation.

What were 2 results of the Split?

1. Institutional Division: The Great Schism resulted in the formal establishment of two distinct Christian traditions: Roman Catholicism in the West, led by the Pope, and Eastern Orthodoxy in the East, organized into various autocephalous churches. This division not only affected religious practices but also led to different theological interpretations and cultural identities.

2. Territorial and Political Consequences: The schism contributed to the deepening divisions within medieval Europe, leading to conflicts such as the Crusades. It fostered a rivalry between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, influencing political alliances and hostilities among nations, potentially contributing to future conflicts such as the Ottoman conquest of Byzantine territories.

Why is this important to us now?

The Great Schism remains significant as it laid the groundwork for the diverse landscape of Christianity today. The division has continually influenced religious thought, cultural identity, and political relations between the Western and Eastern worlds. Furthermore, understanding this schism is essential in acknowledging the historical context behind contemporary inter-Christian relations, ecumenical efforts, and the ongoing discussions about unity and diversity within Christianity.

---

As you watch the video, look for 5 reasons the East split from the West:

1. Filioque Controversy
2. Cultural differences (Latin vs. Greek)
3. Authority issues between the Pope and Patriarchs
4. Political tensions surrounding the Byzantine Empire and the West
5. Mutual excommunications that finalized the division

Draw 4 images that sum up the split between Eastern and Western Rome:

1. Pope with the Papal Tiara - symbolizing Roman Catholic authority.
2. Patriarch with the Byzantine Cross - representing the Eastern Orthodox leadership.
3. Eucharist with leavened bread vs. Eucharist with unleavened bread - illustrating the difference in practices.
4. Map of Europe dividing East and West - showcasing the geographical and cultural separation.

Answer 2

Why was it bad to be “excommunicated”

Answer 3

Being excommunicated was considered very serious in the context of medieval Christianity, and it had several significant consequences:

1. Separation from the Church: Excommunication effectively cut an individual off from the Christian community. The Church was central to social and spiritual life, and being excommunicated meant isolation from fellow believers and communal worship.

2. Lack of Sacraments: Excommunicated individuals were barred from receiving the sacraments, which were viewed as essential for salvation. Key sacraments affected included the Eucharist (Communion) and Confession; without these, individuals were believed to be in a state of spiritual peril.

3. Spiritual Consequences: Many Christians of the time believed that excommunication placed them outside the grace of God. This belief stemmed from the view that being part of the Church was crucial for one's salvation. The fear of eternal damnation loomed large in the minds of the faithful.

4. Public Shame: Excommunication was a public declaration, often involving a formal ceremony, making the individual's status known to the entire community. This led to social stigma, loss of reputation, and potential ostracism from friends and family.

5. Political Ramifications: In many cases, excommunication also had political implications, as the Church wielded significant power and influence. Being excommunicated could affect one’s standing in society, including political alliances and social status.

For these reasons, excommunication was a powerful tool used by Church authorities to enforce discipline, doctrine, and unity within the Christian community, and its consequences were deemed dire by those who experienced it.