Fr. Steven Ritter introduces his new podcast series by laying the ground work for its premise and beginning with some reflections on two current Patriarchs.

In this second episode, Fr. Steven gives a helpful history and analysis of the positioning of both the Phanar and the Russian Church and why it is important.

In his third episode, Fr. Steven reflects on the failure of nationalistic schemas in a shrinking world as East/West geographical boundaries are blurring.

Fr. Steven Ritter reflects on the coming Great and Holy Council scheduled for 2016. He tells us what the agenda is and what he feels is missing.

The word "diaspora" is used often to describe the non-Patriarchal countries including the United States. Fr. Steven unpacks that word and talks about the controversial Canon 28 of the Fourth Ecumenical Council as it relates to Orthodox jurisdiction.

As preparations continue for the Great and Holy Council in 2016, Fr. Steven looks at one of the agenda items and the practical implications of its meaning.

Fr. Steven helps us sort through the terms autocephaly and autonomy and identifies some unresolved issues to be addressed by a Great and Holy Council of the Orthodox Church.

Fr. Steven tackles the complex and often confusing topic of Orthodox administrative unity in North America.

Fr. Steven continues his remarks about Orthodox unity by asking some of the hard questions both for our hierarchs and ourselves.

Fr. Steven talks about one of the most controversial issues on the agenda of the upcoming Great Council, and whether it has any chance of resolution.