THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
The priests, alongside Aaron, symbolize the revered and esteemed presence of the holy Apostles, embodying the role of ‘co-workers with God’ (1 Cor. 3:9), guardians and ‘builders of God’s mysteries’ (1 Cor. 4:1), and ‘ministers’ on whom we have placed our faith (1 Cor. 3:5). Anyone wishing to examine the hierarchy within the Church would rightly be astonished by the foreshadowing in the law. For it is to the bishops, who are entrusted with the leadership role, as well as to the presbyters of a lower rank, that the altar and what lies beyond the veil are assigned.
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It is appropriate to remind them to ‘maintain their priesthood,’ while to the deacons it is said: ‘Let them be vigilant for him and for the entire congregation.’ Do they not instruct the faithful, proclaiming in the churches that the people should chant in harmony, stand in order, and often fall into silence—while also encouraging them to pray? And as the unbloody sacrifice is offered, do they not carry the most sacred vessels and ensure everything necessary is in place? Indeed, the high priests are designated as priests, while the Levites serve in assistance; in this way, the letter of the law foreshadows the structure of the ecclesiastical priesthood. However, the laity is prohibited from any sacred duty, and severe consequences await those who seek this honor without divine appointment, for it is declared, ‘whosoever shall die,’ it is said, ‘shall die,’ who approaches this role without the divine selection.