Pascha is “Easter”. 1054 was the year of the “great schism” between East and West. Of the 5 Christian Churches: Antioch Jerusalem Alexandria Constantinople and Rome which had established the dogmas of Christianity through seven ecumenical councils in 1054 Rome insisted on being “first among equals” and also had erred theologically and philosophically from prior mutual agreements. Rome sent a legate to Constantinople and he pointedly placed the excommunication order on the altar during the Divine Liturgy on Paschal Sunday. Bold!

The dogmatic disagreements concerned “original sin” in which Rome believed and whether Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father or from the Father AND the Son (the so called “filioque”) and the “immaculate conception” by Joachim and Anna of Mary herself. These errors are ascribed to Augustine of Hippo’s poor translation of Greek. Nevertheless since then Western Christianity has been more legalistic while Eastern Christianity has been more therapeutic. As in “I’m not bad, I’m afflicted”. Sin isn’t the same as crime it’s more like the inevitable result of our fallen human nature. Chris came to heal us, and liberate us, not accuse and punish us. (That’s Satan’s job.) It’s a different approach. Thus, according to the East Rome through its errors has spawned thousands of illegitimate offspring, now known as “denominations”. Presbyterians, Lutherans, Calvinists, Seventh Day Adventists, Methodists, Pentecostalists, Jehovas Witnesses, etc. etc. etc. there are thousands of these communities calling themselves churches. There’s only one Church. The body of Christ. (Or so the story goes.)

My worthless opinion is more generous as I’m a more universalist type who believes God has plans we cant possibly anticipate which required all this to occur for the fulfillment of universal salvation. Also known as the fulfillment of the gentiles, (nations, all of them). The Parousia (second coming) will imho be facilitated by a worldwide communications network which without western technological innovation would be practically impossible. So, maybe it was all meant to be and we’re getting close. I guess we’ll see.

“I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.” — Nicene Creed.

You asked. Here’s your answer. Please don’t be offended. It’s not the intent.