What is the main purpose of icons in the Catholic tradition?
Icons are considered an essential part of the church and are given special liturgical veneration. They serve as mediums of instruction for the uneducated faithful through the iconostasis, a screen shielding the altar, covered with icons depicting scenes from the New Testament, church feasts, and popular saints.
Why do Orthodox kiss icons?
Processing with icons around the church reminds us that the path from Galilee to Golgotha is a path through matter that ultimately redeems it. So we kiss icons, and we bow before them, because, thanks to Christ, the world he entered and made a part of himself is good and holy.
Are Orthodox icons idolatry?
The use of icons is not idolatry because it doesn’t involve worshiping or surrendering of the heart. The icons are just a visual language pretty much like an alphabet. They “speak” certain truths of faith to the believers, only they do that through the sense of vision.
How do Orthodox churches behave?
Enter the church correctly You have to put the first three fingers together and touch your forehead, then your stomach, then the right shoulder and the left. Cross yourself again after you’re inside. A common mistake is crossing yourself and bowing simultaneously. You should bow in between the crossing.
Why do Orthodox churches chant?
That is the essential reason for chanting. Worship at its heart is a song and is beautiful; therefore the words of Orthodox worship cannot be simply said but must be melodiously chanted to express the true nature and purpose of the words.
How do Orthodox churches dress?
In recent years, Greek Orthodox Churches have gotten a little more casual than they used to be. The general rule is to wear clothes that are classy and not too provocative. Business casual or a suit and tie for the men are both acceptable. For women, wearing a dress or skirt that falls around the knee is preferred.
Who Cannot receive Communion in the Catholic Church?
Reception of Holy Communion Also forbidden to receive the sacraments is anyone who has been interdicted. These rules concern a person who is considering whether to receive Holy Communion, and in this way differ from the rule of canon 915, which concerns instead a person who administers the sacrament to others.
Does the Greek Orthodox Church allow divorce?
The Eastern Orthodox Church permits divorce and remarriage in church in certain circumstances, though its rules are generally more restrictive than the civil divorce rules of most countries.
What is the difference between Eastern and Western Catholic Church?
While worshiping, the Western Church promotes kneeling position in prayer while Eastern Orthodox places of worship have normally standing followers. Unleavened bread (made without yeast) is utilized as a part of Roman church customs, while the Orthodox Church utilizes leavened bread.