A Summary of Highlights from Jack Figel's My Stories Volume 6: Audiences

Jack Figel was born in 1954 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and founded Eastern Christian Publications in 1993 to bridge Eastern and Western Christian traditions. Over three decades he organized Orientale Lumen and EuroEast conferences and led pilgrimages, meeting four Popes and several Patriarchs. His book My

Fairfax, United States, October 8, 2026 -- A Summary of Highlights from Jack Figel’s My Stories Volume 6: Audiences

1. Author Biography and Historical Background

Jack Figel was born on November 15, 1954, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, into a family rooted in Carpatho-Rusyn and Slovakian heritage from Eastern Europe. He earned a degree in engineering from the University of Rochester and initially worked at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Executive Office of the President. He later transitioned into the software industry and, in 1993, founded Eastern Christian Publications (ECPubs). His primary mission through ECPubs was to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western Christian traditions, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding between Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

2. Early Papal and Patriarchal Audiences (1995–2000)

Mr. Figel's ecumenical journey reached a major turning point in 1995 when he attended his first audience with Saint Pope John Paul II at the Vatican. Shortly thereafter in 1996, he met Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Istanbul (Phanar), presenting him with a custom leather-bound edition of Peter Mohyla's 1639 Liturgikon. In 1999, alongside Archbishop Vsevolod, Figel had a second audience with Saint Pope John Paul II. These early meetings established foundational relationships that shaped his decades-long dedication to Christian unity.

3. The Establishment of Orientale Lumen Conferences & Foundation

In 1997, Jack Figel launched the first 'Orientale Lumen' conference in Washington, DC, designed as an opportunity for laypeople, scholars, clergy, cardinals and patriarchs to meet face-to-face from Eastern Catholic, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox Churches. The immense success of these annual gatherings led to the creation of the Orientale Lumen Foundation. To broaden access to ecumenical learning, Figel established OLTV (Orientale Lumen TeleVision), recording and streaming over 400 hours of academic lectures, liturgical ceremonies, and religious programming globally.

4. Orientale Lumen Delegations and Papal Greetings (2004–2005)

In 2004, Figel organized a farewell delegation to Saint Pope John Paul II in Rome. Following the Pope's passing and the election of Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, Figel met the new Pontiff to present Volume 2 of We Are All Brothers, authored by Archbishop Vsevolod. A few days later, the delegation traveled to Istanbul and met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to present the same book.

5. Expansion to EuroEast Conferences (2004–2010)

Expanding his vision beyond North America, Figel organized international ‘EuroEast’ conferences in Istanbul in 2004, 2007, and 2010. These gatherings included visits to the historic theological school on Halki Island and featured prominent speakers such as Metropolitan Kallistos Ware, Patriarch Gregorios of the Melkites, and Archbishop Cyril Vasyl, Secretary of the Congregation for Eastern Churches at the Vatican. Cardinal Lubomyr Husar was also present at these gatherings. Patriarch Bartholomew consistently extended his patronage and blessings, helping establish the EuroEast conferences as important international forums for East-West dialogue.

6. 'Light of the East' Pilgrimages (2014–2023)

Between 2014 and 2023, Figel led several 'Light of the East' (LOE) pilgrimages to holy and historic sites across Rome, Constantinople, and the Holy Land. Pilgrims participated in private and general audiences with Pope Francis in 2014 and 2016, and had memorable meetings with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in 2014, 2019, and 2023. These pilgrimages allowed participants to experience deep spiritual roots while promoting grassroots ecumenism

7. Personal Audiences and Environmental Initiatives (NetZero 2017)

Over his career, Figel enjoyed unique, informal audiences with key religious figures, including Patriarch Bartholomew, who affectionately addressed him as "Mr. Jack, the book publisher." In 2017, at the invitation of Cardinal Peter Turkson, Figel participated in the Vatican NetZero nuclear disarmament conference. During an audience in the Clementine Hall, Figel presented Pope Francis with a Spanish edition of a book on the Jesus Prayer and a traditional prayer rope (chotki).

8. Connections with Melkite Patriarch Gregorios & White House State Dinner (1994)

The book also highlights Figel's long-standing relationship with Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch Gregorios III Laham, whom he met across Beirut, Rome, and Canada. A notable secular highlight in Figel's life occurred in November 1994, when he attended a White House State Dinner hosted by President Bill Clinton in honor of Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma, meeting prominent figures such as First Lady Hillary Clinton, actor Jack Palance, and musician Mitch Miller.

9. Epilogue and Legacy in Ecumenical Leadership

My Stories - Volume 6: Audiences captures key moments from over three decades of publishing and ecumenical service. Jack Figel's dedicated work has significantly contributed to building bridges between the Eastern and Western Churches. In 2023, his lifelong commitment was formally recognized when he received the Award for Excellence in Ecumenical Leadership from the National Council of Churches, leaving behind an inspiring legacy of faith, service, and unity. This book contains amazing historical stories of more than 8 private audiences with 4 Popes and several Patriarchs by a layman over a 30-year period.

Book link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H6Y1NTS9/

Website Link: https://jackfigel.com/

Author Name: Jack Figel

Published By Wadsworth Publishing

Contact Info:
Name: John L Figel
Email: Send Email
Organization: Wadsworth Publishing
Address: 3574 University Dr
Phone: +1 (703) 691-0513
Website: https://jackfigel.com/

Release ID: 89205504

If there are any errors, inconsistencies, or queries arising from the content contained within this press release that require attention or if you need assistance with a press release takedown, we kindly request that you inform us immediately by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our reliable team will be available to promptly respond within 8 hours, taking proactive measures to rectify any identified issues or providing guidance on the removal process. Ensuring accurate and dependable information is our top priority.