How different is the Orthodox Church and the Assyrian Church of the East?
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It is clear that the Orthodox Church and the Assyrian Church of the East are much closer both theologically and geographically than the Catholic Church and the Assyrian Church of the East. **But how different are the first two?** I am asking this as a member of the Orthodox Church who wants to know more about the Assyrian Church of the East.
For example, Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel of the Assyrian Church of the East, who is popular nowadays, said in [this recent video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yxEiv1pjC4) at minute 0:10 that he is an "orthodox". Did he mean that he is *theologically* orthodox?
I want to emphasize that **this question is about the differences between the Assyrian Church of the East and the Orthodox Church**. The quality and the validity of Mar Mari Emmanuel's speeches and the topic discussed in the video are *not* part of this question. All I can say is that I appreciate very much this man and his teachings. Also, the Catholic Church and the Pope are not part of this question
By differences, I mean the **theological, dogmatic and tradition aspects**. For example:
- *View on Jesus's Mother*. In orthodoxy, she is a very important figure and we pray to her very often and we call her "The one giving birth to God". I wonder how she is regarded in the Assyrian Church of the East
- In Assyrian Church of the East, does the *Holy Spirit come from The Father* as in Orthodoxy, or from The Father and The Son as in Catholicism?
- *View on divorce*. In Orthodoxy, divorce is not recommended and is often considered a sin. However, unlike the Catholic church, the Orthodox church allows divorces in extreme cases such as adultery, domestic violence and other things that ruin the marriage. What is the Assyrian Church's view on divorce?
- *Are priests allowed to marry?* In Orthodoxy, not only that priests can marry, but *must be married* to become priests through the Holy "Xeirotonía". How is it in the Assyrian church?
- Is *iconography* allowed in the Assyrian Church?
In other aspects, I see clear similarities between the Assyrian Church and the Orthodox Church such as the priest's clothing and the white long priest's beard.
Asked by MikeyJY
(393 rep)
Feb 10, 2024, 08:54 PM
Last activity: Feb 13, 2024, 05:13 AM
Last activity: Feb 13, 2024, 05:13 AM