Library

The library of the Orientale includes one of the most extensive collections on Eastern Christianity, including 230,000 volumes

Our library specializes in Ecclesiastical History, Theology, Patristics, Spirituality, Hagiography, Liturgy, Eastern Canon Law, and Eastern Christian Art.

We also offer:

  • 1GB Internet Speed
  • Optimized Lighting for Research
  • User Friendly Service
  • Air Conditioning

Library

The library of the Orientale includes one of the most extensive collections on Eastern Christianity, including 230,000 volumes

Our library specializes in Ecclesiastical History, Theology, Patristics, Spirituality, Hagiography, Liturgy, Eastern Canon Law, and Eastern Christian Art.

We also offer:

  • 1GB Internet Speed
  • Optimized Lighting for Research
  • User Friendly Service
  • Air Conditioning

Mission

Our mission is to pursue research, teach, and publish on the traditions of the Eastern Churches in their theology, liturgies, patristics, history, canon law, literature and languages, spirituality, archeology, and questions of ecumenical and geopolitical importance.

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History

The Pontifical Oriental Institute was born on 15 October 1917 by the desire of Pope Benedict XV, a few months after the creation of the Sacred Congregation for the Eastern Church. Academic life began on 2 December 1918. In 1922, Pope Pius XI entrusted the Orientale to the Society of Jesus.

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Alumni

Over 600 students have graduated from the Pontifical Oriental Institute. A number of the Pontifical Oriental Institute Alumni serve as Bishops both in Orthodox and Catholic churches. Our alumni serve in over 75 countries across the world!

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Publications

Our publications are the culmination of the academic heritage of the Pontifical Oriental Institute. Over the course of more than a century, the Orientale continues today to transmit the preserved heritage of the Eastern Churches in these monumental works. Ever faithful to the Institute’s mission, the Jesuits remain steadfast in their love for the Eastern Churches.

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Our Conference Venue

Our Auditorium is at the very heart of our Institute; where we regularly convene dignitaries and intellectuals from around the globe on the most pressing issues for the Oriental churches, their countries, cultures, and politics. This newly renovated space is fully equipped to engage audiences near or far.

Benefits

  • Live Streaming
  • Theatre Seating
  • 150 Capacity
  • Air Conditioned
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Our Notable Alumni

Among our diverse and talented alumni, the Pontifical Oriental Institute boasts several internationally renowned figures, especially Patriarchs and Bishops of the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

Bartholomew I

Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople

From 1963 to 1968, Patriarch Bartholomew pursued his postgraduate studies at the Pontifical Oriental Institute. He is the 270th and current Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch, since 2 November 1991.

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His Beatitude Mar Louis Raphael I Sako

Chaldean Catholic Patriarch of Babylon

Louis Raphaël I Sako is the current Chaldean Catholic Patriarch of Babylon and the Head of the Chaldean Catholic Church since his election on 1 February 2013. Pope Francis made Sako a cardinal bishop in a consistory on 28 June 2018.

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His Beatitude Gregory III Laham

Patriarch Emeritus of Antioch

Gregory III Laham is Patriarch Emeritus of Antioch and All the East, and Alexandria and Jerusalem, and is the spiritual leader of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, elected on November 29, 2000, succeeding Patriarch Maximos V Hakim.

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Support the future of Eastern Christianity

By supporting the Pontifical Oriental Institute, you will be investing in the future Eastern Christianity. Your contribution supports the education and preparation of a new generation of leaders.

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  • Premier center for the study of Eastern Christianity.
  • Alumni serve as bishops both in Orthodox and Catholic churches.
  • Alumni serve in over 75 countries across the world.
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