Is the Russian Orthodox Church Part of the Roman Catholic Church?

Introduction

The question of whether the Russian Orthodox Church is part of the Roman Catholic Church is a complex one that requires a thorough understanding of both churches' historical and theological backgrounds. This article aims to explore this topic in detail, providing clarity and context.

Histories of the Two Churches

The Roman Catholic Church is often characterized by its recognition of the Pope as the earthly head of the Church. This is a primary criterion for determining whether a church is considered Catholic. Conversely, the Eastern Orthodox Church, of which the Russian Orthodox Church is a significant part, does not recognize the Pope in this capacity. Instead, the Church is headed by the Patriarch of Constantinople, and similar to other Orthodox Churches, holds the belief that the Pope is one among equal heads of the Churches.

Specifically, the Roman Catholic Church has 20 rites, all of which are recognized as Catholic. This unity under the Pope is a distinguishing factor from the multiplicity of rites and jurisdictions within the Eastern Orthodox tradition.

Historical Context

In the 20th century, there were efforts to heal the divide between the Catholic and Orthodox churches. In 1965, Pope Paul VI and the then Patriarch of Constantinople, Athenagoras I, lifted the old excommunication between the two churches. However, this reconciliation has been slow and ongoing. Despite these efforts, the Orthodox Church remains in communion with itself but not with the Roman Catholic Church on a communal basis. Meanwhile, the Orthodox community itself has faced various divisions.

Communion and Sovereignty

Communion, in the context of Christian churches, often means recognizing the authority of a particular church leader. For the Roman Catholic Church, this involves submitting to the Pope. However, the Eastern Orthodox Churches hold that the Pope, while a significant leader, is not the sole sovereign. Orthodox believers believe that the Eastern Orthodox Churches share equal authority. Therefore, the Russian Orthodox Church is not seen as subservient to the Roman Catholic Church. Even though Kirill (the current leader of the Russian Orthodox Church) may sometimes appear to be under the influence of political figures like Putin, the official stance of the Church is that it is independent.

Communion After the Great Schism

The historical events that led to this separation were significant. The Great Schism, which took place in 1054, marked the official separation of the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. Prior to this schism, the Russian Church was under the direct influence and control of Constantinople, with some autonomy. As an apostolic and ancient church, the Russian Orthodox Church shares saints with the Roman Catholic Church, reflecting earlier communal ties. The Cathedral of Saint Clement of Rome in Moscow is a tangible representation of these shared saints and historical links.

Current Status of Communion

Despite these historical connections, the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church are currently not in communion. Dialogue continues between the two churches, but union remains impossible for theological and ecclesial differences. The separation is rooted in fundamental beliefs and practices, which have been maintained over centuries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Russian Orthodox Church is not part of the Roman Catholic Church. While there were efforts at reconciliation in the 20th century, the theological and ecclesial differences that emerged in 1054 remain a significant barrier to full communion. Understanding these differences is crucial for appreciating the complex relationship between these two important Christian denominations.