Summary of "Apostolic Succession" Episode 119 of The Lord of Spirits Podcast

Release Date: July 15, 2025
Hosts: Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Fr. Stephen DeYoung
Produced by: Ancient Faith Ministries
Topic: Apostolic Succession in Orthodox Christian Tradition

I. Introduction

The episode opens with Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick quoting from First Enoch, chapter 48, highlighting the existence of a spiritual realm that, despite modern secularism, continues to influence the world. He sets the stage for a deep dive into the concept of apostolic succession, emphasizing the union of the seen and unseen worlds as experienced throughout history.

Notable Quote:
Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick [00:00]: "The modern world doesn't acknowledge, but is nevertheless haunted by spirits, angels, demons, and saints."

II. Authority of Moses and Its Succession

Building on the previous episode, the hosts revisit the authority of Moses, detailing how it was passed down from him to Joshua and subsequently to the Sanhedrin, the elders of Israel. They stress that Moses' authority was not merely recorded in the Torah but was actively transferred through the laying on of hands, ensuring both a physical and spiritual continuity.

Notable Quote:
Fr. Stephen DeYoung [03:02]: "... Moses laying his hands on Joshua and passing that authority to him in a very literal way."

III. Transition to the Authority of the Apostles

As the discussion shifts to the New Testament, the hosts explore how Jesus began a new chain of authority. They examine the gave the apostles authority similar to Moses, enabling them to make authoritative pronouncements and rulings. This authority was not inherited from Moses directly but was a fresh commission from Christ Himself.

Notable Quote:
Fr. Stephen DeYoung [72:17]: "These are the apostles, of course, are directly commissioned by Jesus in person, and that's sort of one of the requirements."

IV. Apostolic Succession in Practice

The conversation delves into apostolic succession, comparing the Old Testament prophetic authority with the New Testament apostolic authority. They emphasize that just as prophets after Moses applied God's revelations to evolving circumstances, the apostles continued this tradition by addressing the needs of early Christian communities through letters and councils.

Notable Quote:
Fr. Stephen DeYoung [85:13]: "St. Paul, when he begins writing epistles, seems to be doing the exact same thing."

V. Comparisons with Other Christian Traditions

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to comparing Orthodox apostolic succession with practices in Roman Catholicism and Mormonism. The hosts argue that while Roman Catholics maintain a single line of Papal authority, the Orthodox Church operates through a conciliar model, where primacy exists but is balanced among multiple bishops. They critique the breakdown of ordination chains in other traditions and emphasize the Orthodox commitment to hierarchical accountability directly to God.

Notable Quote:
Fr. Stephen DeYoung [128:36]: "Bishops are ents... If you're an Orthodox priest, you can't be a heretic because the church ensures you're properly ordained."

VI. Role and Authority of Bishops in the Orthodox Church

The hosts clarify the role of bishops, explaining that in Orthodox Christianity, bishops are the successors to the apostles. They discuss how authority is both conferred through ordination and manifested through personal holiness. The discussion underscores that bishops are accountable solely to God, contrasting sharply with structures where authorities are held accountable by human institutions.

Notable Quote:
Fr. Stephen DeYoung [145:35]: "Ordination keeps bishops accountably obedient to their spiritual leaders, not to human opinions."

VII. Accountability and Obedience

Emphasizing the Orthodox stance, the hosts discuss accountability within the church hierarchy. They assert that true obedience to ecclesiastical authority is non-negotiable and rooted in faithfulness to divine law. They caution against modern tendencies to challenge religious authorities based on personal grievances, highlighting the importance of trusting divine judgment over human disobedience.

Notable Quote:
Fr. Stephen DeYoung [156:30]: "Obedience means that sometimes my will is not going to be in alignment with the will of the one to whom I owe that obedience."

VIII. Conclusion

In wrapping up, the hosts reaffirm the Orthodox belief in a unbroken chain of apostolic succession, critical for maintaining doctrinal integrity and spiritual authority. They invite listeners to engage further through calls and emails, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting the established ecclesiastical hierarchy as a means to solidify one's faith and ensure accountability within the church.

Notable Quote:
Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick [166:28]: "Blessed is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and Blessing. - Revelation 5:11-12."

Additional Highlights

• Humorous Interlude: The hosts engage in light-hearted banter about Chuck Woolery, science fiction references, and playful mockery of pub quiz etiquette, adding a relatable and entertaining layer to the theological discussion.

• Interactive Callers: Multiple callers pose questions ranging from theological distinctions between prophetic and priestly roles to practical church governance, allowing the hosts to address common misconceptions and elaborate on Orthodox perspectives.

• Practical Applications: Real-world implications of church authority and obedience are discussed, including how bishops make rulings, handle confessions, and maintain church discipline, offering listeners a clear understanding of Orthodox ecclesiology.

This episode serves as an in-depth exploration of apostolic succession, firmly rooting Orthodox Christian authority within a historical and theological framework that emphasizes both spiritual continuity and institutional accountability.