The
Melchizedek priesthood is the greater of the two orders of
priesthood recognized in
Mormonism. The other is the
Aaronic priesthood. The
Patriarchal priesthood which is sometimes confused as a separate priesthood is explained by Boyd K. Packer, Apostle of the LDS Church as: "The patriarchal order is not a third, separate priesthood. Whatever relates to the patriarchal order is embraced in the Melchizedek Priesthood. 'All other authorities or offices in the church are appendages to [the Melchizedek] priesthood.' (D&C 107:5.) The patriarchal order is a part of the Melchizedek Priesthood which enables endowed and worthy men to preside over their posterity in time and eternity.". The Melchizedek priesthood is also referred to as the
high priesthood of the holy order of God and the
Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God, or simply as the
high priesthood.