"Chapter 15. Bishops and Deacons; Christian Reproof. Appoint, therefore, for yourselves, bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men meek, and not lovers of money, and truthful and proved; for they also render to you the service of prophets and teachers. Therefore do not despise them, for they are your honored ones, together with the prophets and teachers. And reprove one another, not in anger, but in peace, as you have it in the Gospel. But to anyone that acts amiss against another, let no one speak, nor let him hear anything from you until he repents. But your prayers and alms and all your deeds so do, as you have it in the Gospel of our Lord.
Well, so much for the "tradition" of apostolic succession!
Sorry, what is your point?
If you knew the fathers, you would know that nomination of candidates for the episcopal office by the laity was not uncommon, but that ordination of the selected candidate was always by a bishop, not by the laity (since laity were not themselves ordained, they could not give what they did not have).
-A8