""The priest performs a symbol", what symbol is he referring to? He doesn't mean the Eucharist, does he? I ask that because I didn't think he would refer to the Eucharist as a symbol."
NO no no! The Greek means that he, the priest, steps into a role but in the sense of being a tool or conduit; not a real good translation I'm afraid.
"It is not the power of man which makes what is put before us the Body and Blood of Christ, but the power of Christ Himself who was crucified for us. The priest standing there in the place of Christ says these words but their power and grace are from God. 'This is My Body,' he says, and these words transform what lies before him." St. John Chrysostom, "Homilies on the Treachery of Judas" 1,6;
Yes, that's what I thought. I figured he meant that the priest is the symbol -- acting 'in Persona Christi'.