The Priesthood

The office of the priesthood is performed on earth, but it ranks among the heavenly things. And with good reason; for this ministry was set up not by an angel, or an archangel, or by any created power, but by the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, himself...He commanded that men who are still in the flesh should imitate the actions of angels. Therefore the priest ought to be as pure as if he stood among those Powers in heaven itself. ...When you see the Lord offered there in sacrifice, and the priest standing and praying, and all being reddened by the precious blood, do you feel that you are still standing among humans, on earth? Do you not rather feel transported straightaway into heaven?...Imagine the scene when Elias stands with the immense throng surrounding him, the victim laid on the altar, and everywhere there is stillness and profound silence. The prophet stands alone and prays: and immediately the fire comes down from heaven upon the altar. Then change the scene to the sacrifice which is now offered, and you will see a wonder; rather, something beyond admiration. For the priest as he stands there brings down not fire, but the Holy Spirit. His long prayer is not that fire may come down from heaven to consume the oblation, but that grace may descend upon the sacrifice, and through that sacrifice kindle the souls of all, to make them brighter than silver which has been tried in the fire...

You will easily realize to what dignity the grace of the Holy Spirit has raised priests, if you consider how great a matter it is for a man yet clothed in flesh and blood to approach that pure and blessed nature. For it is by priests that these things are accomplished, and others of no less importance, that concern our redemption and salvation. For men who inhabit the earth and spend their lives there have been entrusted with responsibility for heavenly things. They have received a power which God did not give to angels or archangels. For it was not said to them: "whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven..." (Matt. 18:18) Earthly rulers have the power to bind; but they only bind the body. This bound extends to the soul itself, and passes on through the heavens: for what priests do on earth God confirms on high: the Lord ratifies the decision of his servants. What is given to them is nothing less than a heavenly authority. "If you forgive man's sins, they are forgiven, if you retain them, they are retained." (John 20:23). What greater authority could there be? "The Father has entrusted all judgement to the Son" (John 5:22): and here I see the Son giving it all into the hands of his priests.

St. John Chrysostom, de sacerdotis 3,4.