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Consecration to the Episcopate in Apostolic Succession

In Preferred Form, Candidates Lay Prostrate With Their Heads Towards The Altar

The consecration to the episcopate is the ceremony by which a priest is ordained as a bishop, granting them the fullness of Holy Orders. The rite, which varies among different Christian denominations, sets the individual apart for a special and sacred service to God.

Meaning and purpose

Apostolic succession: The consecration to the Episcopate is central to the doctrine of apostolic succession in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox and other Catholic traditions. It is believed that the new bishop becomes part of an unbroken tactile line of succession tracing back to the original Apostles.
Plenitude of the priesthood: The rite confers the highest degree of the sacrament of Holy Orders. The bishop becomes the chief minister, or shepherd, of the flock in his diocese.
Sacramental power: The consecration to the Episcopate grants the spiritual power and grace required for the episcopal office, which includes the authority to ordain priests and deacons and to confirm the faithful.

Key elements of the ceremony

While specific traditions have their own distinct rites, several core elements are common to the consecration ceremony across denominations:

Laying on of hands: This is the central, essential action of the rite, performed by the principal consecrating bishop and all other bishops present.
Prayer of Consecration: As the bishops lay hands on the candidate, a specific prayer is offered to invoke the Holy Spirit upon the new bishop.
Anointing with oil: In some traditions, the new bishop's head is anointed with sacred chrism, symbolizing the infusion of the Holy Spirit for their new office.
Presentation of the insignia: The new bishop receives symbols of his office and authority, which include:
Ring: Represents his/her fidelity to the Church.
Mitre: A headdress symbolizing the tongues of fire at Pentecost.
Crosier (pastoral staff): Shaped like a shepherd's crook, it represents his role as shepherd of the flock.
Enthronement: The new bishop is seated in the episcopal chair, or cathedra, of his diocese to signify his authority.
Kiss of peace: The newly consecrated bishop exchanges a sign of peace with the other bishops, confirming his admittance into the College of Bishops.

Denominational variations

Roman Catholic Church

The rite takes place during a solemn Mass, led by the principal consecrator and at least two co-consecrating bishops. (In many other rites one bishop acting alone may perform the consecration where circumstances require, still the norm is a lead consecrator and two co-consecrating bishops.)
Following an examination of the candidate's character and faith, the bishop-elect lies prostrate during the Litany of the Saints. (Age and infirmity may preclude the candidate laying prostrate in which case they kneel or remain in their wheelchair as needed.)
After the consecration, the new bishop co-celebrates mass and offers bread and wine alongside the consecrator. Signifying the continuance of the Apostolic Succession.
Various Old Catholic and Independent Catholic Rites also follow this format.

Eastern Orthodox Church

The rite, known as cheirotonea (ordination by the laying on of hands), typically takes place during the Divine Liturgy.
The bishop-elect kneels before the Holy Table, and the open Gospel Book is laid over his neck while the consecrating bishops place their hands on it.
After the consecration, the laity affirms the new bishop by acclaiming "Axios!" ("He is worthy!") as he is invested with his episcopal vestments.

Anglican Communion

The consecration is part of a Eucharist service.
Before the laying on of hands, the bishop-elect answers an examination concerning his vows to serve and promote the faith, unity, and discipline of the Church.
The laying on of hands by the archbishop and other bishops is followed by prayers and the presentation of the pastoral staff.
The Anglican Communion Apostolic Succession was considered lost by the other Catholic Rites when they followed the Edwardian Rites. Due to their later (like a hundred years later) having Old Catholic Bishops perform consecrations for the Anglican Communion and following a more modern/universal rite from that point forward this is now not considered to be the case in all instances. Still, if a member of the Anglican clergy decides to become Latin/Roman Catholic they will ordinarily be “re-ordained”. This is not permitted if their first ordination was to be considered “valid” in the eyes of the Roman Catholic Church.

Usually only one baptism or ordination is needed/permitted ‘for life’. In cases of doubt the sacraments may be done again “sub-conditione”, essentially meaning kind of only as or if needed and understood to not apply if the original was valid. “One baptism for the remission of sins” and “A priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” are the standards claimed by each mainstream Catholic Rite and stated clearly in their canons.

There are a few “Anglo/Catholic Rites” who hold that if you leave their organizations you leave your ordinations behind. This is refuted by the Canons of all mainstream Catholic Rites and necessitates clergy, leaving such groups to continue ministry elsewhere, to then be ‘re-ordained sub conditione’ to ensure their ongoing validity.

Such groups generally have a more business minded view of their clergy and seek to prevent “competition” over such areas as wedding and funeral businesses. In mainstream Catholic rites clergy are ordained as sacrificial/sacramental priesthood with emphasis on officiating at all sacraments, faith and ‘church’, rather than running successful independent businesses.

What Makes a Consecration to the Episcopate Illicit or Invalid?

An Example of the Relatively Ornate Orthodox Vestments. Vestments and Specific Liturgies Vary Between Catholic Rites, Yet the Core Elements of The Consecration to the Episcopate Are Common to All.

A consecration to the Episcopate becomes invalid if the proper minister is not present, or by an absence of proper matter (such as the oil of chrism), form,meaning the words used do not sufficiently signify the grace of the sacrament, and/or intention are absent, such as when a non-ordained person attempts the consecration, violating the sacramental process itself.

It can become illicit, meaning it violates church law but still produces the intended sacramental effect, when a validly ordained bishop is consecrated without the necessary co-consecrators without cause/need or the proper papal mandate is lacking (this applies primarily in the Roman/Latin Rite).

Other factors such as a lack of proper authorization from a competent authority (in some circumstances), or the use of illicit means can also contribute to invalidity, although these often result in an illicit but potentially valid ordination, according to Catholic canon laws.

Invalid Consecration

A consecration to the episcopate is invalid if it doesn't actually happen or produce the intended effect. For a valid episcopal consecration, the following elements are crucial:

Valid Minister:The consecration must be performed by a validly ordained bishop who are themselves in Full Apostolic Succession and hold valid priesthood orders.
Proper Matter:The material used, which is the imposition of hands, oil of chrism and the accompanying prayer, is the essential physical act of consecration.
Correct Form:The words of consecration spoken by the minister must be from the approved liturgical books and contain the proper intention to confer the office of bishop. Thus the wording of the essential parts of the consecration cannot be altered (by the consecrating bishop nor the bishop elect). This is similar to a baptism where, in Catholic rites the Triune Form must be followed or the baptism is rendered invalid.
Intention:The minister must have the intention to do what the Church intends when performing the consecration.

If any of these elements are missing or fundamentally altered, the consecration is invalid, meaning no new bishop is actually consecrated.

Illicit Consecration

A consecration to the episcopate is illicit if it is performed in violation of church law but is not necessarily invalid.

Lack of Proper Mandate: In the Latin/Roman Catholic Church a bishop must have a papal mandate to be consecrated to serve a particular see, unless the law itself gives him the faculty to be consecrated.
Insufficient Co-Consecrators: In the Latin/Roman Catholic Church, a bishop must be consecrated by at least two other bishops, according to canon law, to prevent the conferral of orders on individuals who might then have a valid but illicit episcopate. (This can only be waived ‘for cause’/ special circumstances in other rites.)

The Difference

Invalid: The action did not occur or produce the intended effect, such as the conferral of holy orders.
Illicit: The action occurred and produced the intended effect, but it was done in a way that violated church law, such as by a bishop consecrated without the necessary faculties or co-consecrators (when so required).

All that to say again that the essential matters must be strictly adhered to; form, matter, proper minister and intention are non negotiable yet the rest of the ‘script’ can be written/modified by the consecrating bishop to allow for different choices of readings, prayers, procession (accommodating different spaces), changing the wording of the oaths for rites that accept female clergy, etc.

That said even the oaths must reflect accurately the responsibilities and requirements conferred in the consecration. This has traditionally led to oaths being spoken by the consecrating bishop and the elect affirming with “I do”. Or “I do/will with God's help.” Thus, again only a little latitude is extended even to the consecrating bishops in order to ensure strict adherence to conferring the Apostolic Succession properly and validly.

Old Catholic Rite, Consecration to the Episcopate

Fr Philip Confects the Holy Eucharist at an Easter Mass. Only Bishops Can Ordain Priests and Deacons to Serve as Sacramental Ministers in the Various Catholic Rites

Here follows some extracts from the Old Catholic Rite, Consecration to the Episcopate

(This excerpt omits the introduction, the Litany and the Mass proper as our intent is simply to provide an example of the actual consecration portion of these proceedings.)

With a grateful and joyful heart, therefore, receive this our brother (s) (sister) – whom we elect to the Order by imposition of hands.

Show him (them, her) honour as minister of Christ and dispenser of the mysteries of God, to whom is committed the testimony of truth of the Gospel and indeed the ministration of the Spirit and of justice.

Be mindful of the words of Christ, speaking to the Apostles: “He that hears you, hears me; and he that despises you despises me; and he that despises me despises the One who sent me”.

Now you; dear brother(s) (sister), chosen by the Lord: consider that you have been claimed from amongst all peoples, in those things which are of God.

Indeed, the Episcopate is the name of a service, not of honour; and a Bishop should do more good than they should preside.

For, according to the Master’s injunction, whoever would be the greater, let them be inferior; and whoever is a leader; just as if they were a servant.

Preach in season and out of season; rebuke in all patience and doctrine. In prayer and the offering of sacrifice for the people committed to you, strive to obtain manifold grace from the fullness of the sanctity of Christ.

The consecrating bishop continues the homily this time directed to the Bishop-elect:

Consecrator: In the church entrusted to you, be a faithful dispenser, moderator, and guardian of the mysteries of Christ.

Chosen by the Father to govern his household, be ever mindful of the good shepherd who knows His sheep and whose sheep know him, and who did not hesitate to lay down his life for his sheep.

Esteem all of those God has entrusted to you with a parental and fraternal charity: in the first place, priests and deacons – your partners in Christ’s ministry – but also the poor and the weak, as well as foreigners and strangers.

Exhort the faithful, that they might labour with you in your Apostolic work; and may you not fail to hear them gladly.

Moreover, may you have untiring care for those who have not yet been added to the one sheepfold of Christ, just as if they have been committed to you in the Lord.

In the Catholic Church, united by the bond of charity, may you never forget that you have been joined to the Episcopate, so that you might gladly provide assistance to those churches in need.

Attend, therefore, to the whole flock in which the Holy Spirit places you to govern the Church of God: in the name of the Father – whose image your represent in the church;

and in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ – whose office of teacher, priest, and pastor you exercise;

and in the name of the Holy Spirit, who gives life to Christ’s Church and who strengthens our weakness by His power.

The Consecrator, holding the Book of the Gospels open on his or her lap with both hands, with the lower part of the book turned towards the Elect, accepts from him or her the fulfillment of this oath, with the Elect still kneeling says:

Bishop-elect: So help me God and these Holy Gospels of God.

And touching the very text of the Gospels with both hands, then, not before, the

Consecrator says:

Consecrator: Thanks be to God.

Then the Consecrator reads to the Elect and to the Assisting Bishops (seated in their places with the mitre) the following examination.

EXAMINATION

Consecrator: An ancient institution of the Holy Church commands that they who are to be consecrated Bishop should be questioned in the presence of the people concerning their purpose with regard to the faith to be kept and the office to be discharged.

Therefore, dear brother/sister are you resolved to fulfil the office entrusted to us by the Apostles, and which is about to be committed to you through the imposition of our hands,with the grace of the Holy Spirit?

Bishop-elect: I am.

Consecrator: Are you resolved to preach the Gospel of Christ faithfully and

unceasingly?

Bishop-elect: I am.

Consecrator: Are you resolved to keep the deposit of faith pure and intact, according to the tradition received from the Apostles, always and everywhere observed in the church?

Bishop-elect: I am.

Consecrator: Are you resolved to build the body of Christ, His Church, and to remain in His unity with the Order of Bishops, the Episcopacy?

Bishop-elect: I am.

Consecrator: Are you resolved to faithfully honour and respect the Blessed Apostles?

Bishop-elect: I am.

Consecrator: Are you resolved – with your co-ministers, the priests and deacons – to cherish the Holy people of God as a devoted Guardian of them and to direct them on the path of salvation?

Bishop-elect: I am.

Consecrator: Are you resolved to offer yourself to the poor, to strangers, and to all those in need, for the Holy and Merciful name of the Lord?

Bishop-elect: I am.

Consecrator: Are you resolved as a good shepherd, to seek the wandering sheep and gather them to the Lord’s sheepfold?

Bishop-elect: I am.

Consecrator: Are you resolved to call upon Almighty God unfailingly for His holy people, and to fulfil the office of high priest without ceasing?

Bishop-elect: I am, God being my helper.

Consecrator: Do you promise to serve The Old Catholic Church diligently and in truth, in obedience to Christ and co-operatively with every other servant of this church?

Bishop-elect: I so promise.

Consecrator: May Our Lord who has begun a good work in you, God Himself, bring it to completion.

All respond: Amen.

Consecrator: (standing, with hands joined and facing the people) says:

O you most beloved by us, let us entreat the benevolence of Almighty God, that, providing for the benefit of the Church, He might grant an abundance of His grace to this elect.

The bishop-elect prostrates, with their head towards the altar.

The litany is then said, chanted or sung by all, the people remaining seated.

The Imposition of hands and Prayer of Consecration

The elect is helped to their feet and approaches the consecrating bishop, who stands before the throne wearing the mitre; and the elect genuflects and kneels before them.

The people stand.

The consecrating bishop lays hands upon the head of the elect, saying nothing, and breathes upon the top the elects’ head. Replacing both hands upon the elects head, the consecrating bishop says:

Consecrator: Receive the Holy Spirit, for the office and serving of a bishop.

Then approaching in succession, all of the bishops impose hands upon the head of the elect, saying

Assisting Bishop: Receive the Holy Spirit, for the office and serving of a bishop.

The bishops remain around about the consecrating bishop until the Prayer of

Consecration is finished, yet in such a way that the faithful may easily see the proceedings.

Consecrator: God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Father of mercies and God of all consolation; Who dwells in the highest, yet regards lowly things; Who knows all things before they come to be; You, Who has given rules in Your church, through the word of Your Grace; Who from the beginning did predestine a race of just people from Abraham;

Who appointed chiefs and priests, and Who did not abandon Your sanctuary without ministry; Whom it pleased from the beginning of the world to be glorified in these whom you have chosen:

(all bishops together continue…)

Bishops: And now, pour forth upon this elect Your power, which is from You: that governing spirit which You did give to your beloved Son, Jesus Christ; which Himself bestowed upon the holy Apostles, who established the church everywhere as Your sanctuary, to the unfailing glory of Your name.

All: Amen

Deacon admonishes: please be seated.

(except consecrator, elect and two deacons) The book of gospels is held – open over the head of the elect by the deacons during the following prayer:

Consecrator: Father, Knower of hearts, grant to this Your servant, whom You have chosen for the episcopate, that they might shepherd Your holy flock, and might exhibit the high priesthood to You without ceasing, serving You night and day, so that they should constantly reflect Your merciful countenance and offer the gifts of Your Holy Church.

By virtue of the Holy Spirit, grant that they may hold the power of the high priesthood – that of forgiving of sins – according to Your mandate; that they might distribute gifts according to your rule; and that they might loose every bond according to the power which You gave to the Apostles. May they please You in gentleness and with a pure heart, offering you a fragrance of sweetness through Your Son Jesus Christ, through whom glory, might and honour are Yours, with the Holy Spirit in the Holy Church, both now and for ever.

All: Amen.

The deacons take away the book and hold it ready for the consecrator. All are seated.

The consecrator resumes the mitre and assumes the linen apron, receives the cruet of sacred chrism from a server, and anoints the head of the elect who is kneeling before him.

Consecrator: May God, who has made you a partaker of Christ’s high priesthood, Himself fill you by this mystical anointing, and may He make you fruitful through an abundance of spiritual blessing.

The Consecrator washes his or her hands and receives the book of gospels from the deacons and hands it to the elect saying:

Consecrator: Receive the gospel and preach the word of god in all patience and doctrine.

Then the deacon takes the book and returns it to its place.

The Consecrator places the ring on the finger of elects right hand saying:

Consecrator: Receive this ring a seal of the faith: and, attired with a faith undefiled, blamelessly guard the spouse of God, the Holy Church.

Then consecrator confers the mitre upon them saying:

Consecrator: Receive the mitre. May the splendour of sanctity be evident within you, so that when the Prince of the shepherds shall appear you may deserve to obtain a noble crown of glory.

Finally, the consecrator hands the pastoral staff saying:

Consecrator: Receive this staff, as a sign of pastoral office; and attend to the entire flock in which the Holy Spirit has placed you as bishop to govern in the church of God.

The new bishop is invited to be seated in the first place among the co-consecrating bishops.

Then, the new bishop rises and receives the sign of peace from The Consecrator,

and then the other bishops.

The mass continues in the usual way...From this point the Consecrating Bishop and the new bishop(s) co-celebrate Holy Mass together. Thus signifying the continuance of the Apostolic Succession, the old and the new.

Consecration to the Episcopate in Apostolic Succession

What Makes a Consecration to the Episcopate Illicit or Invalid?

Old Catholic Rite, Consecration to the Episcopate

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