Eastern and Oriental Orthodox: What’s the Difference?

Part 4 – Hopes for Unity: What the Churches Are Doing Today

After centuries of separation, the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches are drawing closer together—not just in words, but in heart and faith. And that's something to be hopeful about.

Reuniting What Was Divided

Since the 1960s, theologians from both families of Churches have gathered in official dialogues to talk, pray, and seek mutual understanding. Their goal has been to clear up the misunderstandings that led to the split after the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD.

What they’ve found is encouraging: we often believe the same truths—especially about Christ—but use different words based on language and historical context.

What Have the Dialogues Achieved?

Some key results of these meetings:

• Joint statements have affirmed that both Churches confess the same faith in Jesus Christ—fully God, fully man, one divine person.

• Theologians now agree that the Oriental Orthodox do not teach heresy, and that the split may have been based more on misunderstanding than real theological disagreement.

• There is growing respect and trust between Church leaders and faithful on both sides.

  
  

Where Do We Stand Now?

While we are not yet in full communion, the Churches are working carefully toward that goal. Steps like:

• Attending each other’s conferences and liturgies as guests.

• Supporting each other in places where Christians are persecuted.

• Continuing dialogue with hope and patience.

These are all signs that unity is not only possible—it is desired.

What Can You Do?

As a young Oriental Orthodox Christian, you have a part in this healing process:

• Know your faith well—so you can speak clearly and kindly with others.

• Respect the Eastern Orthodox, recognizing them as fellow Christians rooted in the ancient Church.

• Pray for unity—that the body of Christ may be healed and whole, as Christ Himself prayed in John 17: “That they may be one.”

  
  

Looking Forward

The road to unity is slow, but it's real. And as you grow in faith and wisdom, you may be part of the generation that helps bring the Churches back together—not by force, but by love, truth, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.