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Why must several bishops take part in the ordination of an Eastern Orthodox bishop?
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Eastern Orthodoxy
Jesus Christ, detail of the Deesis mosaic, from the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, 12th century.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the requirement for several bishops to participate in the ordination of a new bishop is rooted in the necessity of manifesting the church's unity and continuity.1
This practice serves several essential purposes:
- Conciliar Act: The presence of multiple bishops ensures that the ordination is a conciliar act, reflecting the principle that no bishop should live or exercise ministry in isolation. It reinforces the belief that bishops are members of a collective body, or synod, which shares the teaching and ruling functions of the Apostles.12
- Apostolic Succession: By involving multiple bishops, the church provides a visible witness to the unbroken line of apostolic succession and tradition, connecting the new bishop to the early church.13
- Ecclesiastical Unity: This tradition maintains the identity and continuity of the church across different times and places, ensuring that the new bishop is in full unity with his colleagues.1
Historically, this practice aligns with ancient canons and traditions, which dictate that a collegiate body of bishops is required to perform such a consecration.21