Actually, the attitude toward divorce and remarriage is quite old, dating back at least to the novellas of Justinian (which interestingly no one, not even the Pope of Rome, which was inside the Empire at the time, objected to): he gave a number of grounds for divorce beyond adultery, including abandonment, participation of a spouse in a plot to kill the Emperor, and forced prostitution (an interesting take on the dominical exexption for 'pornea').
I think you also misstate the Orthodox position on both issues by characterizing it as 'approval'. Both are a matter of economia, and are tolerated--properly only with the blessing of a spiritual father on a case-by-case basis--rather that offered 'approval'.
Sorry for the misstatement. I'm sincerely looking for understanding here.
I understand that approval of divorce/remarriage and contraception aren't carte blanche, laissez-faire; but my impression is that "toleration" means "we Orthodox do it, and we don't think it's wrong," whereas amongst the Catholics, it's "we do it, but actually, it's wrong."
Since it's Lent and I'm trying to be good, I don't want to wrangle too much about "issues." But how can I interpret a "blessing" as something other than "approval"? It doesn't look, to me, like disapproval.
Personal note: an Orthodox friend of mine, married 25 years, mother of 5 kids, divorced her (Orthodox) husband, with the approval of her priest, essentially because marriage was rankling her and she felt too conflicted and constrained --- but none of the "big A" issues, no Abortion, Abandonment, Adultery, Abuse. She is now planning a second marriage IN THE ORTHODOX CHURCH to an old flame, and I am in anguish about it. In good conscience, I don't think I can attend the wedding.
It just pains my heart to see either Catholics or Orthodox make this sort of semi-surrender to a sexually disintegrating culture. This Lent: let us pray for each other and draw nearer to Our Lord.