New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-02-08
THE GREEK CHURCH.

The present eDcrodchihentb OF husSid nave IT,
Eeious pretext They partially result Of the old
division of the Catholic world into two principal
clurches-te Latin Western, and the Greek or
Eastern This division has thus important political
bearing which renders il worthy the consideration OF
all who would thoroughly understand the drama now
PLAYING in Eastern Europe The differences Of the
two churches begin with ther dOgmas and extend
through variations Of liturgy, rites and customs, to
questions of nationality, and to the world OF dplo
matte intrigue aud autocratc ACKNOWLEDGMENT. The
Eastern Church claims to be superiority Orthodox or
Apostolic It's doctrines, internal organization and
ussees ere exclusively regulated by the decisions OF
The first seven Hcumehic Councils, which were held
IN the fourth and fifth centuries, namely the frat
Council Of Nice the first of COnstantinOple those Of
Fpbesus and ChscedOnia, the second and third Of
ConstautirOplc and finally the second Of Nice. The
Greek Church rejects all subsequent additions whether
in reference TO dOgmas or observance introduced By
Rome and its special councils.
The separation began il the form of a contest for
supremacy, or at least for preemnence between The
Bishop of Rome ana bis colleagues, who were willing
to recognize HIM by courtesy. only rs Prtnns inter
pares-a chief among equals. The difference in point
of doguas cor ssts principally in the Eastern Church
making the Holy Spirit proceed from the Father
slCre, and in denying purgatory, for which 1t
does not find satisfactory authority in the Bible. Il
admits the same number of sacraments as DO the
Romans, but holds that baptism should be performed
by immersng the whole body three times in water
Confirmation is administered after the ceremony OF
baptism by any priest and not, as with the Romans,
exclusively by the bishops Transubsantationi recog
Dized in the admin tratiOn OF the communion as well
as in the sacrifice Of the mass without however, max
ing the host an object of special worship The en-.
uunion consists in partaking Of both bread and vne
the first leavened, the econd mixed with water. Con-
lesiOn is obligatory, but It may be general special
or aurculary, the penitent chooses. Extreme unc
ton is bestowed not only the dying, but when de-
sired persons who are i'll to any extent. Predest
nation is not admitted the transfer OF supera6al
dant merits from sinner TO anothe special nd1
gncesf the dead living. Though this Church raises
tie Virgin above angels seraplim and cherubm, tdOos
not accord to her the same prominent influence in
heaven do the Romans, though in common with them
it recognizes the worship Of saints, relics and holy
places 1t abounds in holy days, and observes and
prescribes more fasts than the Roman Church.
The liturgy and ceremonies claim TO be strictly n
ormedto those used in the earliest tines OF Chrisan
reading Of tie Gospel the Epistes the recital of the
Lords Prayer, the Ncene Creed and other prayers
aloud with the congregation, practiced by Chry
session. and other primitive fathers Preaching is
sidered as secondary matter NoiDstrumental music
whatever, but only choral singing, is usel in the
churches and no stools chairs or benches allowed
Paintings are admitted but no sculptures Of Stone,
metal OF wood. The prO!essed aim is to adhere ex-
cusyey to the authority Of the Gospels. and TO the
traditions transmitted by the Apostles TO their sue
ctssOrs. Thus the authority of the fathers of the
Church is recognized far it confirmed by the
Gcumeuic Councils.
From the Organization of the Church by autine
the Eastern Patrarchs nave firmly aud uninterruptely
rejected the claims of spiritual temporal supremacy
put forth by the Bishops of Rome This has been the
source of countless discussions, struggles and mutual
excomu unicaiiOns The first violent ouiburst took
place at the publication by the Emperor ZenO l. in the
year 49, of an edct called the HenOtikon, intended
to settle the question concerning the two natures Of
Christ The Pstriarchs OF COLstaniin0ple aud AleXan
dria agreed oit, and IN consequence exeoWmuni-
Gated by Felix, Bishop of Rome. Phoius il the 9th
century and Michel Cerularus in the llth, both Pa
hiarebs Of Constantinople. after violent strsgges
finally consolidated tie -osola.e separation anl nle
Teldeaco Of lie Eastern Church. For tie secular
clergy or pastors Of churches as distinguished from
oIks, marriage was 'aaiut4neJ, or rather rendered
obligatory for every degree of the hierarchy up TO tue
Bislop ahO must be always selected from among n,
monks. A priest however, cannot raar-y widow. and
il lie loses bis wife cannot contract second usr-isre
but must enter q monastery Tie Greek Church does
lot recognize suy particular languare for exclusive use
in the mas or other ceremonies Of worship AMI thus
intertwires itself with every raToDlfty
In tie beginning tie Eas.e re Clgrol was divide into