Catholic-Orthodox Differences In Ecclesiology

• Clergy

The main difference between Orthodox and Catholic clergy is the obvious one: Orthodoxy does not recognize the Bishop of Rome, i.e., the Pope, as the head of all the bishops. There is no "pope" in Orthodoxy. The Ecumenical Patriarch in Constantinople holds the position of "first among equals", but his position is less one of a monarch, and more akin to the American Speaker Of The House. The Ecumenical Patriarch is a spiritual leader, but he is not allowed to make unilateral pronouncements concerning the Church. Church doctrine is, and always has been, set by the bishops meeting in council. These so-called "ecumenical councils" meet very rarely. There have been only seven of them, and the last one met in the year 787.

Orthodox clergy up to the level of priest are allowed to marry. They must be married before they are ordained, or else must remain celibate. All Orthodox bishops are elected from among celibate priests. They are usually monastics.

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