The Eastern Orthodox Church and the Western Church, primarily represented by the Roman Catholic Church, are two major branches of Christianity. They split in 1054 during the Great Schism, primarily over theological, political, and cultural differences. The Eastern Orthodox Church emphasizes the importance of tradition and the authority of ecumenical councils, while the Western Church has historically placed greater emphasis on the authority of the Pope. Both churches share core beliefs, such as the significance of the Holy Trinity and the sacraments, but differ in practices and interpretations. The Eastern Orthodox Church uses a different liturgical calendar and has a unique approach to worship, while the Western Church has developed various reforms and denominations over the centuries.