What is an apostolic ordination?

Apostolic ordination is a sacramental rite in certain Christian traditions, particularly within the Catholic, Orthodox, and some Anglican churches, where a bishop ordains a person to the priesthood or the episcopate. This process is rooted in the belief that the authority to lead and serve in the church is passed down through an unbroken line of succession from the apostles, known as apostolic succession. The ordination typically involves laying on of hands and a specific prayer of consecration, signifying the recipient's new role and responsibilities in the ministry.