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Originally Posted by faithsstuff  O.k., ready for the ignorance to begin? I am Roman Catholic (converted) and while I was well versed in the church I know little about Eastern Orthodox (either catholic or not). From the perspective of a member, or someone who attends, what do you think the differances are. I know I can google this, but was hoping for something more personal.
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Just to expand on what Lilyka wrote somewhat. Orthodox polity is collegial, while Roman polity is monarchial. To be considered an Orthodox Christian, you have to be in communion with the Patriarchate of Constantinople. His position within Orthodoxy is very similar to that of the Archbishop of Canterbury within the Anglican Communion.
On thing that is different, but you have to experience personally, is that Orthodox parishes are generally much smaller than Roman parishes. This has two results: one, the parish has much more of a "family" feel; two, you are truly known by name (and personally) by the priest which adds an element of accountability that doesn't seem to be present in large Roman parishes. A "large" Orthodox parish would be 600+ people. That would be considered an extremely small Roman parish. Many Orthodox parishes seem to be smaller than 300 people. By accountability, I mean that the parish priest is aware of who and what you are. He knows what's going on in your life. In other words, if you're not Orthodox, or shouldn't be taking Communion for whatever reason, you will be turned away at the chalice, if you are presumptuous to attempt to take Communion (for example, in my 150-200 member parish, one 50ish fellow was rather open that he had begun living together with his non-Orthodox girlfriend. Our priest told him he was barred from the chalice until he either married her or they stopped living together). Plus, the priest will be the only person giving Communion (in a parish with two priests and a lot of people, there might be two chalices). I grew up Catholic, going to Catholic school, and still have family/friends who are Catholic, and this has been something we've discussed extensively.
So, the priest knows what's been going in your family, with your work situation, have you been to Confession, etc. And if he needs to talk to you, he *will.* In contrast, the Catholic parishes are so large that I've known people who weren't Catholic, go up and receive Communion and nothing was said/done about it.
Orthodoxy is also generally stricter in practice than Rome. We fast (abstain really, but the terms are used interchangeably) from meat, dairy, and fish for what amounts to about half the year - most Wednesdays and Fridays, 40 days before Pascha (Easter), 40 days before Christmas, the first two weeks in August before the Dormition of the Theotokos (the Catholic Assumption), and the Apostles (SS. Peter & Paul) Fast (before their June 29 feast day) - length varies for this last depending on the date of Pascha. While the Catholics will allow (with permission from the diocese - it's called "disparity of cult" dispensation) marriage to non-Christians, the Orthodox absolutely will not allow the marriage of an Orthodox to a non-Christian (
ETA: an Orthodox can only be married to a Christian baptized in the name of the Trinity). If an Orthodox Christian marries outside of the Church, in either a civil ceremony, in another Christian body, or another religion's cermony (say Muslim), the Orthodox Christian has immediately excommunicated themselves. It's no joking matter.
We also only have one Divine Liturgy (Eucharist) each Sunday or feast day. Or rather, an Orthodox priest is only allowed to serve the Liturgy once each day. The spiritual practice of a daily Eucharist is not part of Orthodox practice, such as it is in Roman practice. One Liturgy per priest, per altar, per day. In some large parishes or cathedrals, especially where there is a need for Liturgies in multiple languages (say English and Slavonic), if there are multiple priests, you might find multiple Liturgies on Sundays, but there will be a second altar, or a small portable altar used.
Our music is all a capella. We don't have hymns in the Western sense of the word - rhymed with stanzas and maybe a refrain. It's rhythmical prose. The texts have been fixed for a very long time. The melodies, on the other hand, differ depending on whether you're in a church of Russian background (four part harmonies) or Greek (very exotic-sounding Byzantine chant).
There is also no "First Communion" as in the Roman Church. Children are baptized and chrismated (anointed with Holy Chrism, equivalent to Confirmation) as infants, and they receive Communion at the same time, as infants. Baptism is by triple immersion - and the kids get dunked good!
Children generally go to Confession the first time around age 7-8.
I am glad you like the prayers and find them helpful on your walk. I read so many books on my journey to the Church but what really pushed me over the edge was my little prayer book. they are so beautiful and powerful!!! Also feel free to go into that church and talk to the preist about the prayers and any suggestions he has for utilizing them. I am sure he would be delighted to talk to you.
