Does the Orthodox Church Maintain Apostolic Succession- A Historical and Theological Inquiry
Does the Orthodox Church Have Apostolic Succession?
The concept of apostolic succession is a cornerstone of Christian theology, particularly within the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches. It refers to the uninterrupted line of bishops that is believed to trace back to the original twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. This belief is central to the idea that the church maintains the authority and validity of its sacraments and teachings. However, the question arises: does the Orthodox Church also claim apostolic succession? In this article, we will explore the origins, the principles, and the contemporary understanding of apostolic succession within the Orthodox Church.
The origins of apostolic succession can be traced back to the New Testament, where the apostles are described as being appointed by Jesus Christ to spread the Christian faith. The early church recognized the importance of this apostolic lineage, as it provided a historical and spiritual link to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles themselves. Over time, this concept evolved into the formal structure of bishops, who were seen as the successors to the apostles.
The Orthodox Church, which emerged from the Eastern Christian tradition, maintains a strong claim to apostolic succession. According to Orthodox theology, the apostolic succession is not just a historical fact but also a divine gift that ensures the church’s continuity with the original apostles. The Orthodox Church believes that this succession is preserved through the ordination of bishops, who receive the grace of the Holy Spirit and are thus able to continue the apostolic mission.
One of the key principles of apostolic succession within the Orthodox Church is the concept of “apostolicity.” This principle emphasizes the importance of a bishop’s connection to the apostles, both in terms of their historical and spiritual heritage. In order to be considered apostolic, a bishop must be ordained by a bishop who, in turn, was ordained by a bishop who was ordained by an apostle or someone directly appointed by an apostle.
The contemporary understanding of apostolic succession in the Orthodox Church is rooted in the tradition of the seven Ecumenical Councils, which were held between the 4th and 8th centuries. These councils defined the church’s doctrine and governance, and they emphasized the importance of apostolic succession in maintaining the unity and purity of the faith. Today, the Orthodox Church recognizes the apostolic succession of bishops from various denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, and other Eastern Orthodox churches.
Despite the strong claim to apostolic succession, the Orthodox Church has faced challenges in its recognition by other Christian denominations. The East-West Schism of 1054, which divided the Christian Church into the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic branches, has created a theological and historical gap that has made it difficult for the two traditions to fully acknowledge each other’s apostolic succession. Additionally, the varying practices and interpretations of apostolic succession within the Orthodox Church itself have led to some discrepancies in its recognition by other denominations.
In conclusion, the Orthodox Church does indeed claim apostolic succession, basing its claim on the historical and spiritual connection between the apostles and the bishops. This claim is rooted in the tradition of the Ecumenical Councils and the principles of apostolicity. While the Orthodox Church has faced challenges in its recognition by other denominations, its belief in apostolic succession remains a central aspect of its theology and identity.
