Differentiate the development of Christianity in the Eastern and Western portions of the Roman Empire based on one of the elements of faith and practice

The development of Christianity in the Eastern and Western portions of the Roman Empire diverged significantly, particularly in terms of liturgical practices.

In the Western Roman Empire, which includes modern-day Italy, France, Spain, and England, the development of Christianity was heavily influenced by the Bishop of Rome, who later became known as the Pope. The Western Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, developed a liturgy known as the Roman Rite. This rite was conducted in Latin and was characterized by its simplicity and sobriety. The Roman Rite focused on the Eucharist as the central act of worship and placed a strong emphasis on the authority of the Pope.

In contrast, the Eastern Roman Empire, which includes modern-day Greece, Turkey, and Russia, saw the development of Christianity influenced by several patriarchs, including those of Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem. The Eastern Church, also known as the Orthodox Church, developed a variety of liturgical practices, collectively known as the Byzantine Rite. These rites were conducted in Greek and were characterized by their elaborate and mystical nature. The Byzantine Rite placed a strong emphasis on the sacraments and the veneration of icons, and it upheld the concept of conciliarity, which asserts that authority in the Church lies with all the bishops together in council, rather than with a single bishop.

Therefore, while both the Eastern and Western Churches share a common foundation in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles, their development diverged due to differences in cultural, political, and theological contexts. This divergence ultimately led to the Great Schism of 1054, which formally separated the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches.