Among all the Christian churches in th world today, Catholic and Orthodox are the closest to each other when it comes to theology, traditions and even hierarchical structure. They recite the same Creed, they celebrate same seven sacraments (or mysteries), their hierarchy consist from Bishops, priests and deacons. Although more then one thousand years ago these two churches went their "separate ways" in the most part they adhered to the traditions of the apostles. While each side can make an argument to have adhered to the tradition of the Apostles, the arguments on either side are not absolute and can be scrutinized.
So what are the differences between these two churches? Unfortunately it will be impossible to go in to every aspect of this question just in one article. Also, while the differences exist, there are way more things that these churches have in common, and this article is in no way intended to accentuate the differences, but just by examining them to show that these differences can bee seen as "complimenting" each other.
One of the main difference that exists between Roman Catholic church and the Orthodox churches, is the way they see the role of the Pope. While every one agrees that the Pope of Rome is the successor of Peter, it is well known that the heads of the ancient patriarchal sees of Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch and Jerusalem claim to be successors of Peter as well. Therefore they would probably prefer to see the Pope as one "among equals"
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