Full definition of Apostolic Succession
You’ve got to be kidding me!?!?
Orbis, I know you have read
Unitatis Redintegratio in its entirety (at least I assume you have) but I’ll just cite one portion from the document in its section,
I. The Special Consideration of the Eastern Churches:
" These Churches, although separated from us, possess true sacraments,
above all by apostolic succession, the priesthood and the Eucharist, whereby they are linked with us in closest intimacy. Therefore some worship in common (
communicatio in sacris ), given suitable circumstances and the approval of Church authority, is not only possible but to be encouraged." (my bold emphasis added)
One more thing I’d like to add, the document says nothing of our Sacraments being
illicit. Now, Unitatis Redintegratio can say whatever it wants, I’m Orthodox, so it holds no weight for me, but I am quite amused by the number of Catholics (albeit small, because I know many Catholics personally that hold what this document says in high esteem) that seem to play gymnastics on what it clearly states.
ZP