What was a significant event that led to the final divide between the Eastern and Western churches?

The Great East-West Schism, often referred to as the Great Schism of 1054, was a pivotal event that marked the formal divide between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. This schism was characterized by theological disagreements, cultural differences, and political tensions that had been building for centuries.

Central issues that contributed to the schism included the authority of the Pope in Rome and the implications of the Filioque controversy, which involved differing interpretations of the Nicene Creed concerning the procession of the Holy Spirit. The mutual excommunications that occurred in 1054, during a meeting between representatives of both churches, solidified this divide, leading to the two churches operating independently from one another.

The significance of this event lies not only in the immediate consequences for the churches involved but also in the long-lasting impacts on Christianity as a whole. The schism influenced the development of each church's theology, liturgical practices, and ecclesiastical governance, with each branch maintaining distinct identities to this day.