Metropolitan Michael Nesmith

The Bishop of the Province of the Americas for The Old Catholic Church (TOCC). He stands in the unbroken line of Apostolic Succession, faithfully preserving the authority and teachings passed down from Christ Jesus through the apostles. Metropolitan Michael’s apostolic succession is recognized through validly consecrated bishops whose lineage traces back to the ancient sees, through the Apostle Peter, to Christ. Metropolitan Michael upholds orthodox doctrine, sacramental integrity, and pastoral care, serving as a shepherd committed to the faith once delivered to the saints.

My Thoughts on Apostolic Succession

Over my years I have heard and seen the phrase, “valid apostolic succession” countless times. Many people have asked if our church and bishops have “valid succession.” When attempting to enter into some form of communion agreement with another church the leaders of those churches will focus a great deal of time being concerned if the other church has, “valid lines of succession.” But what is Apostolic Succession and why is it important? Let us first consider how different churches…(Click here to read more)

Infant Sacraments

The Church Fathers taught the practice of infant baptism and declared it to be of apostolic origin. In fact, a council held in the 250s discussed the question of whether an infant should be baptized on the eighth day after birth (see quotation from Cyprian, below). The only reason one would even discuss this is because one recognized baptism as the Christian equivalent of circumcision, which was given on the eighth day after birth...(Click here to read more)