apostolic succession

noun

, Roman Catholic Church, Orthodox Church, Anglican Church.

1. the unbroken line of succession beginning with the apostles and perpetuated through bishops, considered essential for orders and sacraments to be valid.

Apostolic succession

noun

1. the doctrine that the authority of Christian bishops derives from the Apostles through an unbroken line of consecration

Word History and Origins

Origin of apostolic succession¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

All this, in a so-called apostolic succession, is not only anti-apostolic, but anti-Christian.

From Project Gutenberg

Vincent's, notwithstanding its acknowledged chieftaincy, depended ultimately too much on a mechanically apostolic succession.

From Project Gutenberg

The links in the chain of supposed apostolic succession are so bloody, that even the "dark ages" cannot conceal their crimson hue.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus Moscow became indisputably the head of the Orthodox Church, by direct apostolic succession.

From Project Gutenberg

They might be trusted not to choose Apostolic Succession as their subject.

From Project Gutenberg