Catholic-Orthodox Similarities In Prayer And Devotion

Catholic and Orthodox Christians both place a great deal of importance on prayer.

• Liturgical Prayer

Both believe in the efficacy of prayers which have been written down or memorized and recited.

• Sign of the Cross, Kneeling, etc

Both groups make the sign of the cross. Both kneel (the Orthodox less often). Bowing, signing upon entering the Nave and before the altar are common. Both groups use incense in their services. Orthodox burn incense at home.

• Rosaries and Prayer Ropes

Catholics use rosaries and pray specific prayers as they move through the beads. Orthodox use knotted prayer ropes or strings of beads (called komboschinis or chotkis) which they use while praying the Jesus prayer, or other short prayers.

• Veneration of Saints

Both groups venerate Mary and the Saints, asking for their intercessions. Both say prayers for the departed.

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