What is meant by apostolic succession? 
             
              Apostolic tradition mainly relates to the laying on of hands at 
              ordination, not to the giving of the Holy Spirit in general. The 
              belief in traditional churches is that ordained ministries date 
              back to the first apostles and derive their unique authority from 
              the unbroken chain of “apostolic succession” through 
              Peter and on to today’s bishops, and through their hands to 
              priests and deacons, as well as to laity through confirmation.  
             
              —Tom Ehrich  
              
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