Description

Feast Day/Commemorated: May 22

Melchizedek ruled as the King of Salem (Jerusalem) and served as a priest of the Most High God, laying the foundations of the city where the Messiah would eventually appear. According to the homilies of Mar Jacob of Serugh, Melchizedek was a Canaanite whose genealogy was deliberately concealed by Scripture to assign him neither beginning nor end, allowing him to serve as a perpetual priest. Unlike the Aaronic priests who wore splendid robes and shed the blood of animals, Melchizedek offered his holy prayers from a pure heart and was made a priest by the sacrifices of his soul. Operating as an earthly king who never engaged in battles, he wore two crowns—one hidden and one manifest—and desired nothing but peace and righteousness.

The historical meeting between Melchizedek and the Patriarch Abraham highlights Melchizedek's superior spiritual status. Upon Abraham's victorious return from battle, Melchizedek brought him bread and wine and bestowed a divine blessing upon him. Abraham accepted this blessing, showed reverence, and offered a tithe of his spoils to the king-priest. Because the greater blesses the lesser, this interaction establishes Melchizedek’s priesthood as superior to the later Levitical priesthood. In paying the tithe, Abraham symbolically acted on behalf of his descendant Levi, causing the Levitical tribe to offer first fruits to Melchizedek, who stood as an image of the Son of God.

Theological interpretations, particularly within Chapter 7 of the Epistle to the Hebrews, frame Melchizedek as a profound "type" or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. His names translate to "King of righteousness" and "King of peace," mirroring the attributes of the Messiah. Furthermore, his presentation of bread and wine to Abraham prefigures the Church's Liturgy. Prophet-King David also recognized this eternal priesthood in Psalm 109/110, bypassing the temporary Aaronic line to compare the coming Messiah specifically to Melchizedek, who provided a spiritual liturgy without sacrificial victims.

Ultimately, Christ resembles Melchizedek through an un-annuled, eternal priesthood, culminating in Jesus offering Himself to the Father as a perfect sacrifice upon the altar of the Cross. Because Melchizedek's ministry was never dissolved, he is spoken of as living through his priesthood. Today, the Christian Church continues to honor his enduring legacy and Christ-like lifestyle. Melchizedek is liturgically commemorated during the Sunday of the Forefathers and at the beginning of Great Lent, where believers are exhorted by St. Andrew of Crete to imitate this solitary king.

About Our Icons (Print and Mounted):

Theophany Works Icons are handcrafted Orthodox Christian icon reproductions made in the United States with prayer and a desire for excellence. Each of our icons are printed on museum-quality matte canvas, providing a rich print with saturated coloration that lends to a beautiful handwritten-icon appearance.

All Theophany Works Icons are mounted on beveled wooden boards and finished with a high-quality UV protection sealant. This offers a subtle authentic-feeling texture while also enhancing durability, allowing for cleaning with a damp cloth. Additionally, each icon is given a maple-shelled keyhole slot on its back for easy and balanced hanging.

Our beautiful icon reproductions are lovingly made in our Lancaster, Pennsylvania studio. We pray they are a blessing to all who receive them, and we believe they will be a beloved addition to any home or parish—each at a fraction of the cost of a hand-painted icon.

***Our Beloved Brothers & Sisters in Christ: Please allow 3 weeks for production as each icon is made to order. If an icon is needed sooner for a baptism, chrismation, wedding, or name day, please contact us—we will always do our very best to accommodate your request.

Reviews (0)