Читать книгу The Journey: How an obscure Byzantine Saint became our Santa Claus - David Price Williams - Страница 66

thoughts that were going through their minds and see on their faces the quietude and calmness that their shared experience had given them. After another minute of contemplative silence, their celebration came to an end. There were a few embraces and hand-shakes before the group began to disburse though the door and back into the city. Elizabeth came over and smiling, spoke to me.

“Well, Nicholas, how did you enjoy that? That is our way of keeping our faith and our beliefs alive. Maybe you would like to join us, if you feel that hunger for the spiritual aspect of your life, that is. Think about it!”

She joined her father and sister and they too went out back into the city, leaving John, Polios and me alone once more.

“May God bless your journey Polios and keep you safe on the sea. I know it’s a wild place, but you are used to it I know.”

Taking our leave we shook hands with John and walked back to the ship. Polios was deep in thought and I didn’t like to disturb him, but I had so many questions about what I had just seen. Why did this disparate group of people feel so much joy together in such a simple ceremony? What was the story of this man Jesus? When had it all happened and why did someone who was crucified have such enormous significance to people in so many cities of the empire, in so many walks of life? I was determined to ask Polios once we had set sail again.

THE JOURNEY