Lesson 10

The Great Schism, also known as the East-West Schism, was one of the most defining
events in the history of Christianity. It marked the formal division between the Eastern
Orthodox Church and the Western Catholic Church in 1054. While tensions between
these two branches of Christianity had been building for centuries, this lesson will focus
on the theological, cultural, and political differences that ultimately caused the rupture.

 
Understanding these factors is key to grasping the profound impact of the schism on
both the church and broader society.

Theological disagreements were among the most significant causes of the Great
Schism. One major issue was the Filioque clause, a phrase added to the Nicene Creed
in the Western Church. The original creed, established in 325 CE at the First Council of
Nicaea, stated that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father. However, in the 6th
century, the Western Church unilaterally altered the creed to include the phrase “and
the Son,” or Filioque, declaring that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and
the Son. Eastern theologians rejected this addition, arguing it was made without the
consensus of an ecumenical council and fundamentally altered the nature of the Trinity.

Another theological dispute centered on the role of the pope. In the Western Church,
the pope was considered the supreme authority over all Christians, holding a unique
and universal jurisdiction as the successor of Saint Peter. In contrast, the Eastern
Church operated under a conciliar model, where authority was decentralized among the
five patriarchates: Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem. The
Patriarch of Constantinople was seen as “first among equals” rather than a supreme
leader. This difference in governance created ongoing conflict over authority and
decision-making within the church.

Cultural differences also played a significant role in the schism. By the 4th century, the
Roman Empire had divided into Eastern and Western halves, with Constantinople
serving as the capital of the East and Rome as the center of the West. Over time, the
Eastern and Western churches developed distinct liturgical traditions, languages, and
practices. The Eastern Church primarily used Greek in its worship and theological
writings, while the Western Church used Latin. These linguistic differences not only
created practical barriers to communication but also reinforced cultural divisions, as
each side increasingly viewed the other’s practices as foreign or even heretical.

Liturgical practices further deepened the divide. For example, the Western Church used
unleavened bread in the Eucharist, while the Eastern Church used leavened bread.

 
This difference, though seemingly minor, became a symbol of broader theological and
cultural divergence. The Eastern Church accused the West of liturgical innovation, while
the Western Church viewed Eastern practices as outdated or incorrect. These disputes
over worship practices often escalated into broader accusations of doctrinal error,
further straining relations between the two churches.

Political factors also contributed significantly to the Great Schism. The fall of the
Western Roman Empire in 476 left the pope in Rome as one of the most powerful
figures in the West, both spiritually and politically. Meanwhile, the Byzantine Empire,
centered in Constantinople, continued to thrive, with the emperor playing a central role
in church affairs. This led to frequent clashes between the pope and the Byzantine
emperor over issues of authority and influence. One notable example occurred in the
9th century during the Photian Schism, when Patriarch Photius of Constantinople
challenged Rome’s interference in Eastern Church affairs, setting a precedent for future
conflicts.

In addition to tensions between church leaders, external political pressures played a
role in the schism. The rise of the Islamic Caliphates in the 7th and 8th centuries
reshaped the balance of power in the Mediterranean, isolating the Eastern and
Western churches from one another. The Byzantine Empire, under constant threat from
Islamic forces, often viewed the West as indifferent to its struggles. Meanwhile, the
West, under the leadership of the pope and emerging kingdoms like the Franks,
increasingly sought to assert its independence from Byzantium. The crowning of
Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor in 800 by Pope Leo III was a particularly
significant event, as it directly challenged the authority of the Byzantine emperor and
solidified the growing divide between East and West.

The events of 1054 marked the formal breaking point. That year, Cardinal Humbert, a
representative of Pope Leo IX, traveled to Constantinople to address disputes with
Patriarch Michael Cerularius. The two sides failed to reach an agreement, and tensions
escalated. Cardinal Humbert, acting on the pope’s behalf, placed a bull of
excommunication on the altar of the Hagia Sophia, declaring the patriarch and his
followers anathematized. In response, Patriarch Michael Cerularius convened a synod
that excommunicated the pope’s delegation. While earlier disputes had strained
relations, this mutual excommunication symbolized the official split between the
Eastern and Western churches.

It is important to note that the events of 1054 were not seen as an irreversible break at
the time. Efforts at reconciliation continued in the centuries that followed, but these
attempts were largely unsuccessful due to the deep-rooted theological, cultural, and
political divisions. The Fourth Crusade in 1204, during which Western crusaders
sacked Constantinople, further solidified the schism. This act of violence deepened the
mistrust between the Eastern and Western churches, making reunification increasingly
unlikely.

In conclusion, the Great Schism was the result of centuries of theological, cultural, and
political differences. Disputes over the Filioque clause, papal authority, liturgical
practices, and the influence of political forces all contributed to the eventual rupture.

 
While the events of 1054 marked the formal split, the underlying divisions had been
building for centuries, shaped by the broader historical and cultural contexts of the time.
Understanding these complexities offers valuable insight into the long-lasting impact of
the Great Schism on Christianity and the world. The next lesson will focus on the roles
specific bishops played during this pivotal period.