Russian Orthodox vs Greek Orthodox | What is the Difference?

Unravel the differences between Russian Orthodox and Greek Orthodox - a journey through ancient faiths and cultures.

November 29, 2023

Orthodox Christianity stands as one of the oldest and most revered expressions of Christian faith.

Rooted in the early traditions of the Christian church, it’s predominantly practiced in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the Middle East, Orthodox Christianity is known for its rich liturgical life, theological depth, and profound spiritual traditions.

The Orthodox Church, despite being unified in its core doctrines and practices, exhibits a remarkable diversity in its regional expressions. This diversity is most prominently seen in the Russian Orthodox and Greek Orthodox Churches.

Each of these traditions, while adhering to the fundamental tenets of Orthodoxy, has developed its unique character influenced by regional, cultural, and historical contexts.

These two branches of Orthodoxy, evolving over centuries in different geopolitical landscapes, offer a fascinating study of how one faith tradition can diversify and adapt, reflecting the unique characteristics of the regions they flourish in.

Table of Contents

Origins of Orthodox Christianity

Orthodox Christianity has its roots in the earliest days of the Christian faith. It emerged from the traditions and beliefs of the Christian communities in the Eastern Roman Empire. The term “Orthodox” itself, meaning “right belief”, was used to denote the communities that adhered to the teachings established by the Ecumenical Councils, starting with the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD.

Greek Orthodox Christianity

Greek Orthodox Christianity, deeply intertwined with the history of the Byzantine Empire, helped preserve Christian theology after the fall of Rome. As the Empire’s official religion, it was instrumental in shaping not only religious practices but also the cultural and political landscapes of the region. The fall of Constantinople in 1453 was a turning point, leading to the Ottoman Empire’s dominance and significant challenges for the Greek Orthodox Church, including its role in preserving Hellenic culture and identity under Ottoman rule.

PS The photo above is the Orthodox Metropolitan Church found in Fira, Santorini.

Russian Orthodox Christianity

The Christianization of Kievan Rus’ in 988, under Prince Vladimir, marked the beginning of Russian Orthodox Christianity. This momentous event, choosing Eastern Christianity over other religious influences such as Slavic Paganism and Islam, defined the religious path of the Russian people. Over the centuries, as Moscow rose to prominence, the Russian Church gained more autonomy, culminating in the establishment of the autocephalous Russian Orthodox Church in the 15th century.

Theological Similarities & Differences

Russian and Greek Orthodox churches share fundamental theological beliefs rooted in early Christian teachings. These include the belief in the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the significance of the Nicene Creed, and the importance of sacraments like baptism and the Eucharist. Both traditions adhere to the spiritual heritage of the early church, emphasizing the transformative power of God’s grace and the pursuit of a holy life.

Russian Orthodox Nuances

Mysticism: Russian Orthodoxy has a rich tradition of mysticism, emphasizing a direct and personal experience of God. This is evident in the practice of Hesychasm, a mystical tradition focusing on inner stillness and the repetitive prayer of the Jesus Prayer (“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner”).
Synthesis of Native Slavic Traditions: Russian Orthodoxy integrated elements of pre-Christian Slavic spirituality into its practices. This synthesis created a unique flavor in Russian religious life, where Orthodox Christianity is interwoven with ancient Slavic rituals and beliefs. Characters like Ded Moroz (Father Frost) are born from this syncretism.
Theological Contributions of Russian Saints: Figures such as St. Sergius of Radonezh and St. Seraphim of Sarov have been influential, particularly in the areas of monasticism and spiritual guidance.
Eschatology and the Last Judgment: Russian Orthodox theology places significant emphasis on eschatology (the study of the end times) and the Last Judgment. This has influenced Russian culture profoundly, often manifesting in literature, art, and the collective consciousness.
Symphony of Church and State: Historically, the Russian Orthodox Church has had a close relationship with the state, often described as a “symphony” between the ecclesiastical and secular authorities.
Focus on Communal Salvation: While individual salvation is important, Russian Orthodoxy often emphasizes communal salvation, reflecting the interconnectedness of individuals within the community and the church.

Greek Orthodox Nuances

Influence of Early Church Fathers: Greek Orthodox theology has been profoundly shaped by the teachings of the Early Church Fathers, many of whom were Greek. This includes figures like St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil the Great, whose writings and teachings have deeply influenced Greek Orthodox doctrine, especially in areas like liturgical practices, asceticism, and the interpretation of the Scriptures.
Emphasis on the Mystical Theology: Greek Orthodoxy places a strong emphasis on mystical understanding, particularly as expressed in the works of Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite and St. Gregory Palamas. This mysticism focuses on the experience of God’s uncreated energies and the transformative process of theosis (deification), where humans are believed to partake in the divine nature.
The Ecumenical Councils: The Greek Orthodox Church gives significant importance to the decisions of the first seven Ecumenical Councils, which shaped core doctrines, particularly those related to Christology (the nature of Christ) and Trinitarian theology.
Liturgical Traditions: The Greek Orthodox Church has maintained a strong continuity in its liturgical practices, with many services performed in Koine Greek, the original language of the New Testament.
Philokalia: While Hesychasm is a shared practice in both traditions, Greek Orthodoxy’s approach to it is deeply influenced by the “Philokalia,” a collection of texts by various authors, focusing on inner prayer and the heart’s purification.
The Role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate: The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople holds a position of honor in Greek Orthodoxy. Unlike the autocephalous nature of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has been a central unifying figure in Greek Orthodoxy, despite its non-governing role.

Liturgical Similarities & Differences

Central to the liturgical life of both Orthodoxies is the Divine Liturgy, the primary worship service where the Eucharist is celebrated. Both traditions follow a liturgical calendar replete with feasts, fasts, and special seasons like Lent and Easter, and observe the seven sacraments which include baptism, chrismation, Eucharist, confession, ordination, marriage, and anointing of the sick.

Despite these similarities, each tradition has developed its distinct liturgical characteristics.

The Russian Orthodox Church, for instance, conducts its services in Church Slavonic, a liturgical language that holds historic and sacred significance in the Russian context. Its chant styles, such as the Znamenny chant, are marked by a solemn and meditative quality that reflects the Russian spiritual ethos.

As stated earlier, the liturgy in Greek Orthodox churches is primarily conducted in Koine Greek, maintaining a continuity with the early Christian tradition and emphasizing the authenticity and purity of worship. The Byzantine chant, characterized by its rich, melodic tones and complex modal system, is a distinctive feature of Greek Orthodox worship. If you have ever visited the cliff-perched Monasteries of Meteora, you’ll know what I’m talking about.

Church Governance

While both churches follow a similar hierarchical model, there are administrative and regional differences.

The Russian Orthodox Church is led by its own Patriarch, emphasizing its autocephalous (self-governing) nature. In contrast, the Greek Orthodox Church, while also autocephalous, accords a place of honor to the Ecumenical Patriarch.

Both churches allow a degree of autonomy to their respective ecclesiastical provinces and dioceses, adapting to local needs and contexts.

Russian Church Hierarchy

The Russian Orthodox Church, like other Orthodox Churches, follows a hierarchical structure with the bishop as the central figure. This structure is epitomized in the concept of “apostolic succession,” tracing the bishops’ lineage back to the apostles.

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia: The highest authority in the Russian Orthodox Church. Acts as the spiritual leader and a symbolic figure of unity for the Church.
Holy Synod: The chief administrative and decision-making body of the Church. Comprises senior bishops under the leadership of the Patriarch.
Metropolitans: Senior bishops who oversee large and important dioceses or regions. Often have administrative authority over other bishops in their region.
Archbishops: Lead archdioceses, which are typically more significant than standard dioceses. Hold a position higher than a bishop but below a metropolitan.
Bishops: Oversee dioceses, the fundamental units of ecclesiastical governance in the Church. Responsible for the clergy and laypeople within their jurisdiction.
Priests and Deacons: Serve the spiritual needs of the parishioners at the local level. Conduct religious services, provide pastoral care, and perform sacraments.
Monastic Orders (Monks and Nuns): Live in monasteries dedicated to prayer, contemplation, and community service. While outside the administrative hierarchy, they play a vital role in the spiritual life of the Church.
Laity: The general body of church members who are not ordained clergy. Participate in the sacramental and communal life of the Church.

Greek Church Hierarchy

The Greek Orthodox Church’s hierarchy also follows the traditional Orthodox structure, with some specific features:

Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople: The spiritual leader and symbolic figurehead of the Greek Orthodox Church, considered “first among equals” in the Eastern Orthodox communion.
Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate: The administrative and decision-making body of the Church, led by the Ecumenical Patriarch and comprising metropolitans and bishops.
Metropolitans: Senior bishops who oversee metropolises, which are often larger and more significant than standard dioceses. They hold a higher rank and have administrative authority over their regions.
Archbishops: Lead archdioceses and are responsible for overseeing the spiritual and administrative matters within their jurisdictions. Archdioceses are important episcopal sees but generally rank below metropolises.
Bishops: Oversee individual dioceses, the basic ecclesiastical units, and are responsible for the spiritual welfare and administrative duties within their dioceses.
Priests and Deacons: Serve the religious needs at the parish level, conducting liturgical services, performing sacraments, and providing pastoral care.
Monastic Community (Monks and Nuns): Live in monasteries, dedicating their lives to prayer, contemplation, and religious service, contributing significantly to the spiritual life of the Church.
Laity: The non-ordained members who actively participate in the Church’s liturgical and communal life, engaging in worship, sacraments, and various church activities.

Russian Orthodox vs Greek Orthodox

To summarize and showcase everything discussed in an easy-to-understand manner, here’s a table showing the differences between Russian Orthodox and Greek Orthodox, with a bit more extra information:

	Russian Orthodox	Greek Orthodox
History	Emerged from Christianization of Kievan Rus’; influenced by native Slavic traditions and the close relationship with the state	Deeply intertwined with Byzantine Empire; influenced by Hellenistic thought and direct engagement with Western Christianity
Theology	Strong focus on mysticism and spiritual journey; veneration of native saints and mystics	Emphasis on the teachings of the Early Church Fathers; engagement with Hellenistic philosophy
Liturgy	Use of Church Slavonic in liturgy; Znamenny chant; emphasis on grandeur and solemnity in ceremonies	Use of Koine Greek in liturgy; Byzantine chant; emphasis on communal participation in worship
Hierarchy	Led by the Patriarch of Moscow; emphasis on the concept of ‘symphony’ between church and state	Ecumenical Patriarch holds a position of honor; autocephalous with a strong sense of independence from the state
Monasticism	Prominent monastic communities like Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius; emphasis on hermitic tradition and the spiritual legacy of Northern Thebaid	Mount Athos as a key monastic center; monasteries like Meteora; emphasis on communal monastic life
Iconography	Icons reflect a more emotional and narrative style; warmer color palette; influence of local artistic traditions	Icons adhere to strict Byzantine style; formal and symmetrical; use of bright and contrasting colors