Contemplating the Catholic faith

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Comparing to the EO, 0.

Mystics of the Church

 

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I am a cradle Eastern Orthodox, from an Orthodox country. Recently I am contemplating the Catholic faith more and more. What turns me off to the faith I was brought into is the poor systemisation,organisation, structure, legislation and apologetics as it concerns the Papacy. I guess it all comes down to the Papacy and the role of the Papacy in the Church which seemed to be vital in the ratification and confirmation of the First Ecumenical Councils(that are recognised by the OC as well). From this pov, the Roman Catholic Church seems to be very well structured, organised and systematised .

When you look at the Papacy from a Biblical perspective, as well as the perspective of the early church, it’s clear that it is a divinely instituted office. When Jesus told Peter, “On this rock, I will build my church,” he set Peter apart and gave him the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Another profound statement in support of the Papacy is when he told Peter to feed his sheep. He didn’t tell any other apostle to feed his sheep. He also said to him, “Satan wishes to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you,” with that second usage of “you” directed toward Peter. Early church fathers made statements that demonstrated that Rome contains the unity of the faith, that Peter had a distinct office, and in the case of one of the Popes named Leo, one of the early Catholics said, “Peter has spoken through Leo.”
Cybophonia; 13002432:

What I still like about my faith is the Eastern Mysticism which can be very deep and profound. What frightens me at Catholicism is the possible loss of this Mystical union, that it might be a faith too rigid, cold, devoid of this mystical profoundness.

Catholicism has a long history of mystics. I highly suggest you study Saint Catherine of Siena, Saint Teresa of Avila, and Saint Padre Pio. Padre Pio in particular is fascinating; he could bilocate, he carried the five wounds of Jesus, and he could tell a person who saw him for Confession what their sins were. There is also an account of a woman who was born without pupils and therefore was blind, and went to see him. He blessed her and she could see, even without having any pupils. This woman is still alive today. Her name is Gemma di Giorgi.

If I can help you with anything else, please feel free to PM me.