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# OCL to Hold 39th Annual Conference on Orthodox Unity
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/ocl-to-hold-39th-annual-conference-on-orthodox-unity/
- Published: 2026-10-01T18:50:10.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-01T18:50:10.000Z
- Description: Orthodox Christian Laity will bring together seven speakers for a conference examining Orthodox unity and the future of the Church in America.
- Author: Tobias Straney
- Tags: #Category: News, Pan-Orthodox, Orthodox Unity in America, Conferences

**POTOMAC, MD —** Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL) will hold its [39th Annual Conference](https://ocl.org/the-future-of-orthodoxy-in-america-is-here-join-us/) on November 7, bringing together hierarchs, clergy, scholars, and laypeople to discuss unity, mission, leadership, and renewal in American Orthodoxy. The conference will be held at St. Andrew’s Romanian Orthodox Church and will also be available online through Zoom.

This year’s theme, “Toward a More Perfect Orthodox Union,” will examine both the possibilities and challenges of a more united Orthodox Christian witness in the United States. Metr. Tikhon will deliver the keynote address, while Abp. Nathaniel will offer the welcome address.

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3496.jpg)On this topic'Apologia' Conference to Bring Orthodox Apologists Together in Arizona](https://uoj.news/news/apologia-conference-to-bring-orthodox-apologists-together-in-arizona/)

Other featured speakers include Dr. Alexander Lingas, who will address Orthodox liturgy in America; Serge Schmemann, who will speak on “Alexander Schmemann’s America”; and Dr. Paul Meyendorff, who will examine ethnophyletism, autocephaly, and national churches from a theological and ecclesiological perspective.

Dr. Nikolas Gvosdev will discuss Orthodox identity in America, while Dr. Bill Marianes will address Orthodox unity and present an “American Orthodox Unity Roadmap,” drawing on Christ’s prayer “that they all may be one” in John 17:21\. Morning and afternoon sessions will begin at 8 a.m. Eastern.

[Registration](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/orthodox-christian-laity-39th-annual-conference?zlinkid=28e7852e-5029-4029-a8ec-ac9f83daafee) is available for both in-person and virtual participation. The conference will take place at 9111 River Road in Potomac, with a special [hotel rate](https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=DCADEES&arrivalDate=2026-11-04&departureDate=2026-11-09&groupCode=CES904&room1NumAdults=1&cid=OM%2CWW%2CHILTONLINK%2CEN%2CDirectLink&zlinkid=1ab49d7a-7abf-4485-9ad6-308b0745cd3d) available for attendees who reserve by October 5.

Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/salt-of-the-earth-conference-for-orthodox-christian-young-adults-scheduled-for-october/) that the Salt of the Earth conference for Orthodox Christian young adults was scheduled for October.