Apostolic Succession
“Moreover, if there be any bold enough to plant themselves in the midst of the apostolic age, so that they might seem to have been handed down by the Apostles because they were from the time of the Apostles, we can say to them: let them show the origins of their Churches, let them unroll the order of their bishops, running down in succession from the beginning, so that their first bishop shall have for author and predecessor some of one of the Apostles or of the apostolic men who continued steadfast with the Apostles.” -Tertullian, The Demurrer Against the Heretics, A.D. 200
Apostolic Succession - the chosen successors of the Apostles enjoyed through God’s grace the same authority, power, and responsibility as was conferred upon the Apostles by Jesus. This same practice from Jesus to the Apostles was then conferred by Bishop to Bishop throughout the ages by the same laying on of hands in an unbroken historic succession.
Therefore present-day bishops, as the successors of previous bishops, going back to the Apostles, have this power by virtue of this unbroken chain. This link with the Apostles is what guarantees for them their authority in matters of faith, morals, and the valid administration of sacraments.
Orthodox Catholic Orders?
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” -Ephesians 4:1-7
Christ Orthodox Catholic Ministries does participate in and uphold the doctrine of Apostolic Succession and all of its clergy have been validly ordained by the laying on of hands (Directly or Proxy) bishops within the PETRINE LINE of Apostolic Succession, which we hold dearly.
Vatican Doctrine of Faith Declaration - August 6th, 2000
Therefore, there exists a single Church of Christ, which subsists in the Catholic Church, governed by the Successor of Peter and by the Bishops in communion with him. The Churches which, while not existing in perfect communion with the Catholic Church, remain united to her by means of the closest bonds, that is, by apostolic succession and a valid Eucharist, are true particular Churches. Therefore, the Church of Christ is present and operative also in these Churches, even though they lack full communion with the Catholic Church.
“Moreover, if there be any bold enough to plant themselves in the midst of the apostolic age, so that they might seem to have been handed down by the Apostles because they were from the time of the Apostles, we can say to them: let them show the origins of their Churches, let them unroll the order of their bishops, running down in succession from the beginning, so that their first bishop shall have for author and predecessor some of one of the Apostles or of the apostolic men who continued steadfast with the Apostles.” -Tertullian, The Demurrer Against the Heretics, A.D. 200
Apostolic Succession - the chosen successors of the Apostles enjoyed through God’s grace the same authority, power, and responsibility as was conferred upon the Apostles by Jesus. This same practice from Jesus to the Apostles was then conferred by Bishop to Bishop throughout the ages by the same laying on of hands in an unbroken historic succession.
Therefore present-day bishops, as the successors of previous bishops, going back to the Apostles, have this power by virtue of this unbroken chain. This link with the Apostles is what guarantees for them their authority in matters of faith, morals, and the valid administration of sacraments.
Orthodox Catholic Orders?
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” -Ephesians 4:1-7
Christ Orthodox Catholic Ministries does participate in and uphold the doctrine of Apostolic Succession and all of its clergy have been validly ordained by the laying on of hands (Directly or Proxy) bishops within the PETRINE LINE of Apostolic Succession, which we hold dearly.
Vatican Doctrine of Faith Declaration - August 6th, 2000
Therefore, there exists a single Church of Christ, which subsists in the Catholic Church, governed by the Successor of Peter and by the Bishops in communion with him. The Churches which, while not existing in perfect communion with the Catholic Church, remain united to her by means of the closest bonds, that is, by apostolic succession and a valid Eucharist, are true particular Churches. Therefore, the Church of Christ is present and operative also in these Churches, even though they lack full communion with the Catholic Church.