[Uncle Chip]

Specifically, I had in mind Acts 13:1-3 "Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who was a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3 Then, completing their fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them off. Hope that helps.

It does, thank you. But here, as well as the case of Ananias laying hands on Saul after the road to Damascus experience, is the lesser disciple[s] laying hands on the greater disciple[s] -- which runs counter to the whole doctrine of a hierarchy through apostolic succession.

[thefrankbaum]

I disagree here, since (and I admit, my knowledge is weak here, so I may be wrong) Lucius of Cyrene was recognized as one of the Seventy Disciples, and thus one of the first Bishops of the Church. Thus, regardless of who Symeon or Manaen were, Lucius was a Bishop, and had the valid authority to confer Holy Orders.