Foundation Programs

The LLF
Reading Circle

A guided theological reading program on Catholic-Orthodox ecumenism, led by Liz Moncada Sandoval. Each season, the Circle reads one work by James Likoudis alongside expert commentary and open discussion.

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Season One · 2025

Our First Text:
The Divine Primacy

The LLF Reading Circle brings together experienced and amateur scholars to read, discuss, and engage the legacy of James Likoudis — beginning with one of his most important contributions to Catholic–Orthodox ecumenical dialogue.

The Divine Primacy of the Bishop of Rome and Modern Eastern Orthodoxy addresses the central question dividing Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy: the primacy and infallibility of the Bishop of Rome. Written in the form of letters to a Greek Orthodox correspondent, it moves through papal supremacy, the filioque, the Immaculate Conception, Purgatory, and doctrinal development — answering objections with patristic depth and irenic precision.

The Reading Circle is designed to equip participants to engage these questions substantively, to understand why Likoudis thought them decisive, and to bring his thinking into conversation with contemporary ecumenical dialogue.

Liz Moncada Sandoval

Liz Moncada Sandoval

Lead & Discussion Facilitator,
LLF Reading Circle

Format Guided reading with discussion
Focus Text The Divine Primacy — James Likoudis
Audience Open to all — no prerequisite
Details Format & schedule forthcoming
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The Divine Primacy
Companion Programming

Seminars & Expert Discussions

Alongside the reading program, the Foundation is developing a series of seminars featuring scholars on papal primacy and Catholic–Orthodox relations. These will expand on the book's themes with expert commentary and open discussion.

I

The Primacy Question: History and Theology

An overview of how the papacy has been understood and contested from the early Church through the Great Schism — setting the stage for Likoudis's argument.

II

The Filioque and Its Ecumenical Stakes

What the dispute over the Holy Spirit's procession reveals about the deeper structural differences between Catholic and Orthodox ecclesiology.

III

Doctrinal Development and the Orthodox Objection

How Catholic teaching on the Immaculate Conception, Purgatory, and infallibility developed — and how Likoudis defends development against the Orthodox charge of innovation.

IV

Toward Reunion: What Would It Actually Require?

A discussion of what full Catholic–Orthodox communion would demand doctrinally and institutionally — and whether the current ecumenical moment brings it any closer.

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Companion Programming

Guest Speakers

Each season, the Reading Circle features guest scholars offering expert commentary on the text — theologians, historians, and practitioners working at the intersection of Catholic-Orthodox dialogue.

Season One Speakers

The Season One speaker lineup is being finalized. Guests will include theologians and historians with expertise in papal primacy, patristics, and Catholic–Orthodox ecumenism — offering commentary alongside each phase of the reading.

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Interested in Presenting?

We welcome proposals from scholars whose work engages Catholic-Orthodox relations, papal primacy, or the legacy of James Likoudis. Sessions are open to all members of the Reading Circle.

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Looking Ahead

Future seasons of the Reading Circle will work through additional texts by James Likoudis — including his writings on the filioque, papal authority, and Eastern Christian spirituality. Proposals for Season Two are welcome.

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