THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AN ORTHODOX CHURCH AND A
CATHOLIC CHURCH
When Catholics visit an Orthodox church they notice a number of features that make
them different from their own churches.
Instructions: In the left hand column are some features of an Orthodox church. Read each one
carefully and in the right hand column describe how things are different in a Catholic church.
ORTHODOX CHURCH
Standing
The congregation (people) stand for almost the
entire service – often churches will be without
seats or kneelers.
The Sign of the Cross
Orthodox Christians make the sign of the cross
from right to left. The thumb and the first two
fingertips are pressed together; the last two
fingertips are pressed down to the palm.
Veneration
On entering a church the people venerate
(honour) icons of Jesus, Mary and the saints by
repeatedly crossing themselves and kissing the
holy images.
Icons
Sacred images of Karaiti, Mary or the saints.
Iconostasis
A wall or screen of icons called the iconostasis
separates the altar from the congregation. The
Liturgy of the Word is celebrated in front of the
iconostasis, but the Liturgy of the Eucharist takes
place behind it. This adds to the sense of mystery.
Royal Doors
These are usually three sets of doors in the
iconostasis. The middle set are called “royal” or
“holy” doors. It is through these that the priest
brings Holy Communion to the congregation.
For other parts of the service, such as the Liturgy
of the Word, the two doors on either side are
used.
CATHOLIC CHURCH
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AN ORTHODOX CHURCH AND A
CATHOLIC CHURCH - ANSWERS
When Catholics visit an Orthodox church they notice a number of features that make
them different from their own churches.
Instructions: In the left hand column are some features of an Orthodox church. Read each one
carefully and in the right hand column describe how things are different in a Catholic church.
ORTHODOX CHURCH
Standing
The congregation (people) stand for almost the
entire service – often churches will be without
seats or kneelers.
The Sign of the Cross
Orthodox Christians make the sign of the cross
from right to left. The thumb and the first two
fingertips are pressed together; the last two
fingertips are pressed down to the palm.
Veneration
On entering a church the people venerate
(honour) icons of Jesus, Mary and the saints by
repeatedly crossing themselves and kissing the
holy images.
Icons
Sacred images of Karaiti, Mary or the saints.
Iconostasis
A wall or screen of icons called the iconostasis
separates the altar from the congregation. The
Liturgy of the Word is celebrated in front of the
iconostasis, but the Liturgy of the Eucharist takes
place behind it. This adds to the sense of mystery.
Royal Doors
These are usually three sets of doors in the
iconostasis. The middle sets are called “royal” or
“holy” doors. It is through these that the priest
brings Holy Communion to the congregation.
For other parts of the service, such as the Liturgy
of the Word, the two doors on either side are
used.
CATHOLIC CHURCH
During a Catholic service people will knee, sit and
stand. E.g standing for the Gospel, sit for the
first readings and the homily, stand during the
Liturgy of the Eucharistic but kneel after for silent
reflection.
Catholic make the sign of the cross with their
right hand, from left to right. The hand is flat
when this is done.
When Catholics enter a church they bless
themselves with holy water. Before entering the
pew they will genuflect in the direction of the
tabernacle or the crucifix.
In Catholic churches there are statues of Mary and
perhaps other saints and some holy pictures or
pictures of the pope.
There is no barrier between the altar and the
congregation. Scripture is read from the lectern
and the Liturgy of the Eucharist takes place on the
altar where all people can see.
There are no doors that separate the priest from
the people. The priest and ministers of the
Eucharist bring communion to the people from
in front of the altar – people line up to receive it.