The Ancient Witnesses

136 • The Ancient Witnesses: A Journey to Discover Our Sacred Roots

The fact that Father Greg referred to “the people of our time” made me wonder if he had finally accepted the miracle of our passage back in time. “My uncle also believes that the Nile River turning into blood was probably an algae infestation that only looked like blood,” said Joseph. “Thank God, the Church Fathers didn’t have to worry about science!” said Preacher. “They had their own sciences,” Father Greg corrected, “not as advanced as ours, but the ancient Greeks had medical sciences, biology, physics, and others.” “Truly,” agreed Mentor, “our preeminent philosophers are also scientists. 33 Yet, as you have heard for yourselves, the witnesses always interpret Scripture in the light of Scripture.” Mentor excused himself from the Crux for a few moments, returning in the company of two witnesses he said would help us understand their beliefs. “The elemental principles of creation,” explained Mentor, “are themselves creatures of God, compelled to obey their Master.” He introduced the two witnesses as Bishop Cyril of Alexandria, whom we had not yet heard, and Bishop Augustine of Hippo whom we had. “Listen carefully,” said Mentor, “as they testify to the Exodus,” Cyril was the first to speak. He read from the lectern Bible in a thick accent I could hardly understand. Toward the end of a long passage I realized he was reading from

33 Plato and Aristotle, for two examples.