Expert: Edward Bode - 7/23/2009

Question
QUESTION: Why did the one Christian Church divide into the Catholic and Orthodox church

ANSWER: In the 11th century, the Patriarch of Constantinople was involved in a controversy over authority in the universal Church with the Pope in Rome.  The Orthodox refused to recognize the authority of the pope, successor of Peter, over the entire Church.  The result was a separation of the Eastern [Orthodox] from the Catholic Church.  
The rift was closed for a short time after the Council of Florence [15th century] but the separation remains until today.  
Recent popes have initiated efforts at reunion and a joint commission has worked on details.  No union yet.
Hope these thoughts help.
Best wishes, Hasani.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Just one more question I asked the same question to an orthodox guy and he said something about Filioque could you please clarify what Filioque is?

Answer
"Filioque" [Latin: and the Son] refers to a phrase in a statement of belief [creed] that within the Trinity, God the Holy Spirit has a special relation not only with God the Father but also with God the Son.  At one time, Orthodox objected to the use of Filioque as they had another way to express the relationship of the Spirit within the Trinity.  The issue was addressed at the Council of Florence.
If you wish to read more on the issue, go to www.newadvent.org and type "filioque" in the search box.
Best wishes, Hasani.