The forefather Melchizedek as the prototype of Christ and the first manifestation of royal Holiness

The article is devoted to the analysis of the mysterious personality of Melchizedek that is known from the book of Genesis. He is called the king of Salem and also “the priest of God Most High”. This combination of Imperial dignity and the priesthood is a characteristic feature of the Patriarchal period typical to many nations. Melchizedek who did not belong to the chosen generation was, however, the priest of the true religion, and was so sublime that he subsequently became the ideal of the whole priesthood, even standing above the Aaronic priesthood. The biography of Melchizedek, the story and interpretation of his Ministry never appeared in the canonical biblical books. Various legends about him are found in the Jewish and Christian Apocrypha. The prophetic parallel between the king Melchizedek and The Christ King is fully and clearly expressed in the mysterious Melchizedek priesthood according to a special rite and in connection to this priestly service with the Royal dignity. This was disclosed in details by the Apostle Paul.