The Ancient Witnesses

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

languages; no letter did its duty but faith alone was the teaching and the rich theme of the words given from heaven, a new source of speaking which comes in many forms and alone is sufficient for the speech of eloquent persons from the whole world. 10 “What’s an ethereal hall?” asked Cesar. “It’s a classical name for heaven,” said Father Greg, “and blessed pedigree refers to the disciples in the upper room.” “Their teacher was fire!” said Joseph, “I like that!” “Their mouths were glowing,” added Preacher. The poem reminded me of Ephrem’s hymns, and since he was at his place in the Post-Nicene choir stalls, I asked Mentor if he would share a verse from a Pentecost hymn for comparison. “The upper room shook as the blessed Apostles came together,” sang Ephrem, “and Paradise recognized its home, pouring forth its perfume, delighting the heralds as they invited guests to come to His banquet; eagerly He awaits their arrival for He is the Lover of mankind.” 11 “There was a banquet at Pentecost?” asked Cesar. “The hymn is eschatological,” said Father Greg. “That means it’s about the future,” said Preacher. “Precisely,” said Father Greg, “Pentecost anticipates the wedding feast of the Lamb described in the book of Revelation.” 12

10 Schrader, Arator’s On the acts of the Apostles , 28, lines 119-129.

11 Ephrem of Syria, Hymns on Paradise , 11.14 in Brock and Kiraz.(St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1990), page 159.

12 See Rev. 19:9.