Christian denomination

===Antiquity===
{{See also|Proto-orthodox Christianity}}

The initial differences between the East and West traditions stem from socio-cultural and ethno-linguistic divisions in and between the [[Western Roman Empire|Western Roman]] and [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine empire]]s. Since the West (that is, Western Europe) spoke [[Latin]] as its ''[[lingua franca]]'' and the East (Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and northern Africa) largely used [[Aramaic]] and [[Koine Greek]] to transmit writings, theological developments were difficult to translate from one branch to the other. In the course of [[ecumenical council]]s (large gatherings of Christian leaders), some church bodies split from the larger family of Christianity. Many earlier [[heresy|heretical]] groups either died off for lack of followers or suppression by the early [[Proto-orthodox Christianity|proto-orthodox]] Church at large (such as [[Apollinarianism|Apollinarians]], [[Montanism|Montanists]], and [[Ebionites]]).

Following the [[Council of Chalcedon]] in 451, the next large split came with the [[Syriac Orthodox Church|Syriac]] and [[Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria|Coptic]] churches dividing themselves, with some churches becoming today's [[Oriental Orthodox Churches|Oriental Orthodox]]. The [[Armenian Apostolic Church]], whose representatives were not able to attend the council did not accept new dogmas and now is also seen as an Oriental Orthodox church. In modern times, there have also been moves towards healing this split, with common Christological statements being made between [[Pope John Paul II]] and Syriac Patriarch [[Ignatius Zakka I Iwas]], as well as between representatives of both Eastern and Oriental Orthodoxy.

There has been a statement that the [[Chalcedonian Definition|Chalcedonian Creed]] restored Nestorianism, however this is refuted by maintaining the following distinctions associated with the ''person'' of Christ: two hypostases, two natures ([[Nestorian]]); one hypostasis, one nature ([[Monophysite]]); one hypostasis, two natures (Eastern Orthodox/Roman Catholic).<ref>{{Cite web |title=CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Monophysites and Monophysitism |url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10489b.htm |access-date=2023-05-10 |website=New Advent |archive-date=2023-05-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519043505/https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10489b.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>