The greater of the two levels or orders of priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Melchizedek Priesthood is conferred upon faithful male members of the Church beginning at age 18. Each man is ordained individually by the laying on of hands. Those who have been so ordained are said to “hold” the priesthood; the majority of Latter-day Saint men are priesthood holders.
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The offices of the Melchizedek Priesthood include elder, high priest, patriarch, Seventy and Apostle. Those who have this priesthood lead the Church and administer such ordinances as naming and blessing children, healing the sick and giving the gift of the Holy Ghost to newly baptized members.
The name of the Melchizedek Priesthood comes from a great high priest who lived during the time of the prophet Abraham.
See also: Aaronic Priesthood, Priesthood