The Ancient Witnesses

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

We moved slowly through the passage way, and I began to wonder if bringing Father Greg along was really a good idea. On the one hand, without his knowledge we could not prove we had made a truly miraculous discovery. On the other hand, he would know if what we were seeing was fake. With these doubts in my mind, we arrived at the small door leading into the book-filled hall. My doubts were relieved as soon as Father Greg began to examine the old books and especially when I demonstrated the reader. I also shared our guide’s description of the living library, and as soon as I could I led him into the Athenaeum. The others welcomed us, and Father Greg was visibly relieved now that all his missing students were accounted for. He introduced himself to our guide. “I am Father Gregory,” he said. “You are vigilant!” 15 our guide replied, bowing to him. Father Greg looked surprised, and the two of them talked for a while before our guide returned to his station. “He’s the one who rescued me from the lake,” I told Father Greg. “He was speaking ancient Greek,” said Father Greg, “how could you understand him?” “We understand everything here in the Athenaeum,” I replied, “but don’t ask me how.” Father Greg, amazed, just shook his head. Then he began exploring the Athenaeum, going section to section talking with some of the ancient men whom our guide called witnesses. “What do you think?” I asked him, when he returned.

15 The name Gregory is formed from the Greek word that means watchful or vigilant.