Apostolic Succession

Apostolic succession is the unbroken chain of episcopal ordination — the laying-on of hands — transmitted from the Apostles through every generation to the present bishops of the Church. In Orthodox theology, apostolic succession is not merely historical lineage but the transmission of the Holy Spirit for the ministry of bishop: the grace of the episcopate is communicated through the laying-on of hands, which communicates what only God can give. Without apostolic succession, the Eucharist cannot be celebrated and the sacraments cannot be administered.