Orientale Lumen XXX – “What’s Next?”

Orientale Lumen XXX
“Ecumenism at a Crossroad: Consensus Achieved — What’s Next?”

Location:  St John Paul II Shrine and Retreat Center
July 13-15, 2026

Co-sponsored by
the Orientale Lumen Foundation,
the Likoudis Legacy Foundation,
the Washington Theological Consortium and
the Huffington Ecumenical Institute at HCHC

Invited Speakers:

• Cardinal Sean O’Malley, retired Archbishop of Boston, confirmed in person
• Metropolitan Job of Pisidia, Orthodox Co-chair of the International Dialogue, Turkey, by video
• Archbishop Flavio Pace, Secretary of the Dicastery for Christian Unity, Rome, confirmed in person
• Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Ukrainian Greek Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, by video
• Bishop Anthony Vrame, Greek Orthodox Director of Holy Cross Press, confirmed in person
• Bishop John Michael Botean, Romanian Catholic Diocese of Canton, confirmed in person
• Archimandrite Cyril Hovorun, Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Ecumenical Patriarchate, by video
• Reader Jack Figel, Founder of the Orientale Lumen Conferences and Foundation, confirmed in person
• Dr. John Borelli, Georgetown University, Moderator

After three decades of Orientale Lumen conferences, ecumenical dialogue between Eastern Orthodox, Eastern Catholic, and Roman Catholic Christians has reached a critical stage. The agreed statements of Ravenna, Chieti, and Alexandria mark a significant theological convergence, particularly regarding primacy and synodality. The central ecclesiological question today is no longer whether consensus is possible, but how this convergence is to be received and embodied in the life of the Church of Jesus Christ.

This conference invites speakers to examine the concrete implications of these agreements. What does the Church now understand by the primacy of the Bishop of Rome within a synodal ecclesiology? How can this ministry be exercised as a service of unity without diminishing the authority of patriarchs, synods, and regional Churches? What ecclesial and canonical safeguards are needed to ensure that unity respects legitimate diversity?

A particular focus will be the challenge of reception. Ecumenical agreements cannot remain limited to dialogue commissions; they must shape liturgical practice, pastoral life, and ecclesial governance at all levels. Speakers are encouraged to consider whether a more intentional process of reception is required. Finally, the conference will explore how the renewed Catholic emphasis on synodality corresponds with Orthodox ecclesiology and whether this shared vision can guide the next phase of ecumenical engagement.

OLC XXX Agenda