Ap'ostol'ic Succession, the doctrine according to which bishops, priests, deacons and other similar officers of the Church are believed to have received consecration from those who trace their right back to Christ's Apostles, in direct line of succession. This system is strictly observed by the Roman Catholic, the Eastern and the Anglican churches, who consider no minister legitimate unless he has been ordained by a bishop claiming this succession from the Apostles. See BISHOP.