Hey Deacon!

What does the Church mean by Apostolic Succession?
 
Apostolic Succession is the unbroken transmission of sacramental authority from the Apostles to today’s bishops through the laying on of hands.   This is not by symbolic hands nor remembered hands.  This is by real hands by a real bishop.
 
Jesus did not write a book and tell the Apostles to figure it out.   He chose Apostles and gave them authority and they passed it on. “Do this in memory of me.”  (Luke 22:19)
 
This is why a bishop Is essential.  Only a bishop possesses the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders.   A priest cannot ordain a bishop. A deacon cannot ordain anyone.  Likewise, a community cannot ordain itself.  If there is no valid bishop, there is:
 

• no valid ordination
• no Eucharist
• no sacramental absolution

 
This is a sacramental reality.
 
What is required for a bishop to be validly ordained?  
 
For a bishop to be validly ordained, at minimum of three bishops is required to ordain (consecrate) a new bishop; one principal consecrator and at least two co-consecrators. This requirement was formally established at the Council of Nicaea (325 AD) to ensure the new bishop was accepted by the wider community of bishops and to safeguard against unauthorized or "secret" ordinations. 
 
This practice is a visible sign of ‘collegiality’, symbolizing that no bishop acts in isolation but rather as a member of the global College of Bishops. However, the Pope can grant dispensation for exceptions, such as in missionary areas or during times of severe persecution. Regardless of the number of bishops present, a bishop may not lawfully ordain another unless it is certain that a pontifical mandate (approval from the Pope) has been issued.
 
Why is the Church so strict in this requirement?  
 
The Church requires multiple bishops not because she doubts God, but because she respects history, continuity, and truth. This protects the faithful from: fake ordinations; self-appointed pastors; and invented ministries.  It guarantees that when we receive the Eucharist, it is the same Christ handed on from the Apostles.
 
This Is why Apostolic Succession Matters.  For without it the altar becomes a table, the Mass becomes a service, the priest becomes a speaker, and the Church becomes an organization.  With Apostolic Succession: Christ remains the High Priest, the Eucharist remains His Body, and the Church remains His Body. 
 
The chain of Apostolic Succession is not fragile, but it is precise. God protects His Church and He does so through order, not shortcuts. While one valid bishop is enough to pass on the succession, without a bishop, nothing sacramental can happen. This is why Apostolic Succession is not optional. It is the bloodstream of the Church.Author Bio:
 Deacon Dan Vaughn