The Flavor of Eastern Christianity

[RaphaelJ]

Hi there! So, I was reading a book about Christianity and it seemed to distinguish between two styles of Christianity: Western and Eastern.

The way I understood it, it said that Eastern Christianity focuses a lot on mysticism and mysteries. The West focused on formality of doctrine and understanding (thus producing people like St. Thomas Aquinas). So, I want to ask, besides doctrine what is the difference? Like say, architecture, liturgy, icons…

 

[Diakonia]

Hi there! So, I was reading a book about Christianity and it seemed to distinguish between two styles of Christianity: Western and Eastern.

The way I understood it, it said that Eastern Christianity focuses a lot on mysticism and mysteries. The West focused on formality of doctrine and understanding (thus producing people like St. Thomas Aquinas). So, I want to ask, besides doctrine what is the difference? Like say, architecture, liturgy, icons.…

(emphasis added)

That’s a start. Spirituality, liturgical vesture, liturgical language, liturgical music, liturgical calendar, liturgical furnishings, saints, hierarchical titles, honorific dignities, canon law, and the list continues … plus, we have the best food festivals.

And, depending on how finely one wants to look at the differences, we can offer some 20+ flavors.

 

[hazcompat]

I am a cradle Catholic, Latin Rite (diopitt.org). Recently I obtained a prayer rope from forum member Phillip Rolfes, “Beadsman Extraordinaire”, and am exploring the fruits of the rule of St. Pachomius (saintjonah.org/services/stpachomius.htm). My pastor blessed my rope and me.

The Holy Spirit is the same yesterday, today and forever. If you are firm in the faith, and with your spiritual directors approval, I encourage you to experience the joy of expressing gratitude to God by way of the east.

O Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

peace

 

[hazcompat]

did someone say food festival?

peace