East–West Schism

Quick Facts: Who was East–West Schism?

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East–West Schism

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The historical break of communion between the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.

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Origins & Early Life

The East–West Schism, also known as the Great Schism or the Schism of 1054, is the break of communion between the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church since 1054. A series of ecclesiastical differences, theological disputes and geopolitical tensions between the Greek East and Latin West preceded the formal split in 1054. Prominent among these were the Filioque clause of the Nicene Creed, whether leavened or unleavened bread should be used in the Eucharist, iconoclasm, the coronation of Charlemagne as emperor of the Romans in 800, the pope's claim to universal jurisdiction, and the place of the See of Constantinople in relation to the pentarchy. Although 1054 has become conventional, various scholars have proposed different dates for the Great Schism, including 1009, 1204, 1277, and 1484. The first action that led to a formal schism occurred in 1053 when Patriarch Michael I Cerularius of Constantinople ordered the closure of all Latin churches in Constantinople.

Career & Major Achievements

In 1054, the papal legate sent by Leo IX travelled to Constantinople to deny Cerularius the title of "ecumenical patriarch" and insist that he recognize the pope's claim to be the head of all of the churches, and to seek help from the Byzantine emperor, Constantine IX Monomachos, in view of the Norman conquest of southern Italy, and to respond to Leo of Ohrid's attacks on the use of unleavened bread and other Western customs, attacks that had the support of Cerularius. When the leader of the legation, Cardinal Humbert of Silva Candida, learned that Cerularius had refused to accept the demand, he excommunicated him, and in response Cerularius excommunicated Humbert and the other legates. The validity of the Western legates' act is doubtful because Pope Leo had died and Cerularius' excommunication only applied to the legates personally. Still, the Church split along doctrinal, theological, linguistic, political, and geographical lines, and the fundamental breach has never been healed: each side occasionally accuses the other of committing heresy and of having initiated the schism. Reconciliation was made increasingly difficult in the generations that followed; events such as the Latin-led Crusades, though originally intended to aid the Eastern Church, only served to further tension.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1185, the Normans sacked Thessalonica, while the schism culminated in the sack and pillage of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade in 1204, and the imposition of Latin patriarchs. The emergence of competing Greek and Latin hierarchies in the Crusader states, especially with two claimants to the patriarchal sees of Antioch, Constantinople, and Jerusalem, made the existence of a schism clear. Several attempts at reconciliation did not bear fruit. In 1965, Pope Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I nullified the anathemas of 1054, although this was merely a gesture of goodwill and did not constitute a reunion. The absence of full communion between the Churches is even explicitly mentioned when the Code of Canon Law gives Catholic ministers permission to administer the sacraments of penance, the Eucharist, and the anointing of the sick to members of eastern churches such as the Eastern Orthodox Church (as well as the Oriental Orthodox churches and the Church of the East) and members of western churches such as the Old Catholic Church, when those members spontaneously request these.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1053: 1053 Milestone — The first action that led to a formal schism occurred in 1053 when Patriarch Michael I Cerularius of Constantinople ordered the closure of all Latin churches in Constantinople.
2. 1054: 1054 Milestone — The East–West Schism, also known as the Great Schism or the Schism of 1054, is the break of communion between the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church since 1054.
3. 1185: 1185 Milestone — In 1185, the Normans sacked Thessalonica, while the schism culminated in the sack and pillage of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade in 1204, and the imposition of Latin patriarchs.
4. 1965: 1965 Milestone — In 1965, Pope Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I nullified the anathemas of 1054, although this was merely a gesture of goodwill and did not constitute a reunion.

Notable Quotes by East–West Schism

“While the East–West schism stemmed largely from political and ecclesiastical discord, this discord also reflected basic theological differences.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: East–West Schism

True or False: “The initial formal split of 1054 was solely due to a disagreement over liturgical practices like bread usage.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While customs were involved, the schism also stemmed from profound theological disputes, geopolitical tensions, and differing views on papal authority.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Al-Hariri of Basra — Historical peer (Born in 1054) (1054): Renowned Arab poet and scholar, celebrated for elevating the Maqama literary genre.
• Atiśa — Historical peer (Died in 1054) (1054): Pioneering Buddhist scholar who spread Mahayana and Vajrayana teachings across Asia.
• Emperor Go-Suzaku — Historical peer (Born in 1009) (1009): The 69th Emperor of Japan, reigning from 1036 to 1045.
• Yusuf ibn Tashfin — Historical peer (Born in 1009) (1009): Almoravid leader who secured Islamic rule in al-Andalus and the Maghreb.
• Eleanor of Aquitaine — Historical peer (Died in 1204) (1204): Powerful Duchess of Aquitaine and influential Queen of France and England.
• Fujiwara no Shunzei — Historical peer (Died in 1204) (1204): Master poet and court noble of the late Heian period, known for waka innovation.
• Baybars — Historical peer (Died in 1277) (1277): Mamluk Sultan who defeated the Mongols at Ain Jalut and crushed the Crusaders.
• Bartolomé de las Casas — Historical peer (Born in 1484) (1484): Spanish reformer and writer who fiercely denounced the atrocities against Indigenous peoples in the Americas.
• Huldrych Zwingli — Historical peer (Born in 1484) (1484): Swiss Reformation leader and theologian who championed scriptural reform in Zurich.
• Emperor Shirakawa — Historical peer (Born in 1053) (1053): 72nd Emperor of Japan; pioneered the influential system of cloistered rule.

Frequently Asked Questions about East–West Schism