Holy Orders

Ordained ministers in Christianity are to minister to the priesthood of the community of the faithful. Ordained priesthood is essentially related to the priesthood of Christ. It is the new priesthood of the new covenant. Letter to the Hebrews speaks about the newness of the priesthood of Christ. The old covenant and its priesthood have been superseded by the new covenant and its priesthood exercised by Christ and is being handed over to the ordained ministers of Christ.

• Jesus is the High Priest as one from us (Heb 4:15). >> Ordained minister is one among the faithful
• Jesus, the High Priest, is the Compassionate One (Heb 5:1-10). >> Ordained minister is minister of compassion
• Christ's priesthood is according to the order of Melchizedek and replaces the Levitical priesthood of the old Law in the order of Aaron. Christ is High Priest out of his own power (Heb 7:16).
• Christians by their baptism and confirmation become incorporated to the body of Christ, the Church, and shares in the priesthood of Christ. This priesthood of the faithful is exercised and realized through the ministerial priesthood. Ordained ministers are for the service of the mystical body of Christ.

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