George,
The problem with the calender is the RC church changed calendars which was as I understand not legal without a full ecumenical council. To go to the RC calendar the Orthodox would have to agree to it, while possible it is doubtful as Orthodox believe they have pascha on the right date, there is no way we'd do it before Passover as often happens with the RC calendar. The RC's wouldn't switch back because it would be like admitting they were wrong. How can either side compromise?
As far as jurisdiction goes a monk once told me, follow the money. Under Orthodoxy he says money from America goes back east, same with RC. If the two unite, and the Americas get their own Patriarch or Pope, that money dries up going east. So both sides have an interest in getting their cut from the Americas and neither would want to give it up.
As far as monastics go, could you ever see a movie like Sister Act for the Orthodox? The RC have way different traditions for their monastics and by extension one MIGHT argue that their priesthood are a form of heiromonks. Orthodox monastics have a lot less to do with commercialism, RC more so. Which version would prevail should some sort of union take place? Or would each monastery do its own form?
I'm sure there are way more cultural issues than I noted. Will the pope expect the Orthodox to say Hail Mary? What about musically? The list goes on ...
So what's your top ten?
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