Free Selene of Alexandria by Faith L. Justice

scholar's white, expertly guiding her horses and chariot through the crowded streets of Alexandria.
    Selene smiled in her sleep.
     
     
     
    Chapter 6
     
    The next morning Selene groggily groped for fading dreams as Rebecca prepared her for mid-week church services. No cosmetics, jewelry, or fancy clothes today; the presbyter castigated any woman exhibiting her wealth and status at the services. Selene donned her most comfortable sandals, knowing she would be standing for a considerable length of time. The whole family gathered in the vestibule, exited to the street and paraded to the local church with all their neighbors.
    The Church of St. Athanasius, built by Theophilus in honor of his foster father the previous Patriarch, stood with open brass doors, welcoming the worshipers into cool dark stillness from the heat of the streets. Selene loved the church with its high vaulted ceilings. It was a small jewel of its kind; with beautiful painted murals of the Ascension in the nave and ivory inlaid screens sheltering the sanctuary. Intricately embroidered silk altar clothes glowed white in the dim light.
    The current Patriarch built nine churches during his twenty-seven years as bishop, sparking some of his critics to call him a litholater. Calistus had once told Selene a story about the divine guidance that led the Patriarch to such extravagant actions. It seems there had been a marble slab inscribed with three thetas. The slab had a further inscription which promised: 'Whosoever shall interpret these three thetas shall receive what is underneath this stone.' Theophilus said that the thetas stood for 'Theos, Theodosius, and Theophilus.' Under the slab, he found a treasure which he immediately spent on church construction. Calistus had laughed and remarked, "The Patriarch has sparked much controversy during his tenure, but he is always supported by the construction guilds."
    Today, as they ascended the steps, Selene saw the sub-deacons greeting people and showing them inside. They kept out scoffers and those denied the sacraments as penance. One deacon engaged in a vociferous argument with a well-dressed man over whether it had been three or four weeks since his penance was imposed. The deacon motioned with his arm and two burly gatekeepers came down the steps and not-too-gently escorted the well-dressed man away. Inside, Selene and her family journeyed to the front of the church to stand with others of their rank.
    An hour later, Selene shuffled from foot to foot. The marble floor was beautiful but hard on the legs and back. Her attempts to offer her discomfort to God as penance for her sins failed to bring any relief. Selene glanced at her father. He didn't seem to be in any distress. A small stir rippled through the congregation as a deacon removed a crying child, but settled as the presbyter made an announcement.
    "Pray with me for the recovery of our beloved Reader." Readers, the lowest rank of the church orders, read the gospels to the congregation. Selene brightened; maybe the presbyter would dispense with that part of the service. Her hopes were dashed when the presbyter continued, "Please welcome the Patriarch's nephew Cyril who will read the gospel of St. Luke."
    Small groups of men and women started for the doorway, as was their want during the reading. Many people left to talk with neighbors and friends during the service and returned later for the sermon and blessings. One presbyter was known for leaving the church when the gospels were read so he could "go with his flock" and learn the latest gossip.
    Selene forgot her minor pains. Having heard her father and his guests discuss Theophilus' nephew the night before, she listened with renewed interest. Having a guest reader could be a treat – or not – depending on the reader's skills. She watched a slight young man with a curly beard and sloped shoulders ascend the steps to the Bishop's chair. Cyril, taller than most men, surveyed the congregation with piercing