Professor Paul L. Gavrilyuk, the Michael Huffington Chair of Eastern Orthodox Christianity at the University of Oxford, delivered the 2026 Economos Orthodoxy in America Lecture at Fordham University, New York, on 28 October 2026.
Hosted by Fordham University's Orthodox Christian Studies Center, the annual lecture brings together leading academics to explore contemporary questions in Orthodox Christianity and its relationship with other Christian traditions.
In his lecture, entitled 'Does the Orthodox Church Need the Pope?', Professor Gavrilyuk explored the relationship between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, which have been divided for nearly a millennium, and considered the potential role of papal authority in addressing longstanding ecclesiastical divisions.
He proposed restoring the right of Orthodox bishops to appeal disputes to the Pope and enabling the Pope to convene councils of Orthodox leaders. His argument focused on the relationship between papal authority and synodality, the practice of collective decision-making among Church leaders, and considered how these might help address divisions within Orthodox Christianity and contribute to closer relations between the two Churches.
The lecture follows Professor Gavrilyuk's recent appointment as the Michael Huffington Chair of Eastern Orthodox Christianity in Oxford's Faculty of Theology and Religion, in association with Merton College. Established through a generous gift from the Honourable Michael Huffington in memory of Metropolitan Kallistos (Timothy) Ware (1934–2022), the professorship strengthens Oxford's longstanding tradition of scholarship in Eastern Orthodox Christianity and its commitment to ecumenical dialogue.
To read more about Professor Gavrilyuk's work, visit his Faculty profile.
Click here to watch the lecture.
