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

The Holy See insisted on the pope’s right to name bishops to preserve the apostolic succession that dates to Jesus’ original apostles.

From Seattle Times

The Holy See insisted on the pope’s right to name bishops to preserve the apostolic succession that dates to Jesus’ original apostles.

From Washington Times

The Holy See insisted on the pope's right to name bishops to preserve the apostolic succession that dates to Jesus' original apostles.

From Fox News

The Holy See insisted on the pope’s right to name bishops to preserve the apostolic succession that dates to Jesus’ original apostles.

From Washington Times

The Holy See insisted on the pope's right to name bishops to preserve the apostolic succession that dates to Jesus' original apostles.

From Fox News