BASIC DOGMATIC TEACHINGAn Orthodox Handbook
by Protopresbyter Fr. Anthony Alevizopoulos (1931 – 1996)
Dr. of Theology, Dr. of Philosophy
Chapter 15 -
The place of the laity in the the Church
1. The regal priesthoodGod had chosen Israel, to make it His "chosen people... a royal priesthood and a holy nation" (Exod.19:5-6). Through the mouth of Isaiah He said "...you shall be called priests of the Lord, ministers of God..." (Isaiah 61:6)"Say to my daughter Sion: 'See, your Savior comes to you, having his own reward and his work before him.' And he shall call it a holy people, redeemed by the Lord, and you shall be called 'A City Sought After and Not Forsaken.' ”(Isaiah 62:11-12).These testimonies of the Old Testament which refer to God's chosen people are invaluable, because they are a fore impression of the place of God's new people - that is, of Christians. This is because the people of Israel are a depiction of the Church (cmp. Gal.4:21-31, Rom.4:1-25, 9:6-8)"You also" - says the Apostle Peter characteristically - "as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (1 Pet.2:5)