Archbishop Michael Nesmith

As the Presiding Bishop of the OCCNA  Archbishop Michael stands in the unbroken line of Apostolic Succession, faithfully preserving the authority and teachings passed down from Christ Jesus through the apostles.  ++ Michael’s apostolic succession is recognized through validly consecrated bishops whose lineage traces back to the ancient sees, through the Apostle Peter, to Christ. Archbishop Michael upholds orthodox doctrine, sacramental integrity, and pastoral care, serving as a shepherd committed to the faith once delivered to the saints.

My Thoughts on Apostolic Succession

Over my years I have heard and seen the phrase, “valid apostolic succession” countless times. Many people have asked if our church and bishops have “valid succession.” When attempting to enter into some form of communion agreement with another church the leaders of those churches will focus a great deal of time being concerned if the other church has, “valid lines of succession.” But what is Apostolic Succession and why is it important? Let us first consider how different churches…(Click here to read more)

Infant Sacraments

The Church Fathers taught the practice of infant baptism and declared it to be of apostolic origin. In fact, a council held in the 250s discussed the question of whether an infant should be baptized on the eighth day after birth (see quotation from Cyprian, below). The only reason one would even discuss this is because one recognized baptism as the Christian equivalent of circumcision, which was given on the eighth day after birth...(Click here to read more)

On Saint Hood

Over the years, I have been asked which saints the Old Catholic Church recognizes. I answer this question by pointing out that both the Roman Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church have some saints in common—specifically, those recognized before the separation of these two churches. After the separation, both the Roman Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church recognized saints not acknowledged by the other. This may be for various reasons, which I choose not to debate...(Click here to read more.)

The Sinlessness of Mary

I would like to offer this small paper on the belief held by many that Mary, the Blessed Theotokos, was sinless. First, it helps to understand that the Roman Catholic, the Eastern Orthodox, the Oriental Orthodox, and all other churches that were in the early catholic church currently believe that Mary was without sin – however there are differences in the details of the belief. This will be explained more in a bit....(Click here to read more.)