Longer Catechism (Orthodox) 11.277

Chapter 11 — Part I — Article IX (Of the Church)

Section 277. Q. Whence originates the Hierarchy of the Orthodox Christian Church? A. From Jesus Christ himself, and from the descent of the Holy Ghost on the Apostles; from which time it is continued, in unbroken succession, through the laying on of hands, in the Sacrament of Orders. And he gave some, Apostles; and some, Prophets; and some, Evangelists; and some, Pastors and Teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ. Eph. iv. 11, 12.