THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
In determining the proper arrangement for the sacred rituals, God places the Levitical order under the authority of the high priest, as stated in the book of Numbers: ‘declare to the Levites and tell them .... and you shall not die.’ Do you recognize the command of Christ, anticipated even in types and shadows? For, as blessed Paul notes, ‘he that receiveth tithes, ... gave tithes’ (Hebrews 7:9). The archetype was Melchizedek, during the time of Moses and Aaron, symbolizing the supreme priesthood - Christ, the Head and Principal of the holy tabernacle, which is the Church - the Holy of Holies, the Lord of lords, to whom we owe all our offerings; for it is written, ‘all that are round about Him, let them bring gifts’ (Psalms 75:12). However, the Mosaic covenant was still represented through images; now, the true guardians of the gospel commandments honor their Redeemer with spiritual offerings.