[HarleyD]

Christ was no longer there to pick and choose his disciples; so the disciples had to do it themselves. The elders, the experienced, were left to do that. It was an orderly succession, not a wild mushroom farm event, where every Joe could just start preaching.

And when the Orthodox split in 1000AD, did the apostlic succession go to Rome or stayed with the Orthodox? Who had the legal right to "lead" the flock?

[kosta50]

And when the Orthodox split in 1000AD, did the apostolic succession go to Rome or stayed with the Orthodox? Who had the legal right to "lead" the flock?

How can you divide apostolic succession? Each bishop has his own lineage. There is no splitting. The Roman Catholic Church will receive an Orthodox priest without re-ordination and the same goes for catholic priests crossing over to Orthodoxy. The succeeded apostolic authority (ordination) remains valid in both Churches.

The Anglican priests on the other hand have to be ordained in order to become Orthodox or Roman Catholic priests.

It's not about leading the flock 'legally' — the east-west split is over theology. As long as we don't agree on some issues we cannot be in communion. That's the only thing thats separates us. There is no other separation. Neither side left the Church (apostolic authority).

[hosepipe]

[.. did the apostlic succession go to Rome or stayed with the Orthodox? Who had the legal right to "lead" the flock? ..]

Neither.. the paraclete(Holy Spirit).. is the one who comes alongside(any christian) to help and administer comfort.. for thats what paraclete MEANS.. The Holy Spirit is NOT a moron..

The Holy Spirit received this charge from Jesus who received his charge from the Father.. "Wherever two or even three congregate(in my name) there am I(Father, son, Holy Spirt) in the midst of them"

You either believe this or not.. NO other authority is recogized by the faithful.. Because there IS no other authority.. Many congregations meets in some other name.. a church name usually..

If the Holy Spirit is NOT there then you meet in vain... Who then is in charge of the "meeting" the Holy Spirit -or- some drama play with historical meaning.. and a script, litergy, and even a band(music) sometimes..

Takes faith to believe in the Father, Jesus AND the Holy Spirit.. Jesus left us all in the hands of the Holy Spirit.. We are not orphans.. and need to learn how to be spirits ourselves.. Could be WHY Jesus did that <<- left us in the hands of the Holy Spirit.. Ya Think?..

[kosta50]

And when the Orthodox split in 1054AD, did the apostlic succession go to Rome or stayed with the Orthodox? Who had the legal right to "lead" the flock?

It remained with every bishop, in direct lineage to one of the Apsotles. It has nothing to dow ith Rome.

[annalex]

The apostolic succession split also.