Apostolic succession is the belief that the authority of the Christian church is passed down through a continuous line of bishops from the original apostles of Jesus Christ. This tradition holds that each bishop is consecrated by another bishop, ensuring that the teachings and leadership of the church remain connected to the early followers of Christ. This concept is important for many Christian denominations, particularly in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions, as it emphasizes the legitimacy and continuity of church leadership. Apostolic succession is seen as a way to maintain the integrity of the church's teachings and sacraments throughout history.