The Holy Chapel of Saint Phanourios was an oratory in Seleukeia in Lyra's world. The priest in charge was Father Jerome Burnaby. Lyra Silvertongue visited the oratory while searching for somewhere with an English sign in Seleukeia.[1]
Description
The limestone basilica was roofed with red-brown tiles made of terracotta and was surrounded by a dusty graveyard. Three olive trees grew in the gravel. Outside the oratory, a wooden sign displayed the name in English, French and Arabic, along with the times of services.
Beside the basilica was Burnaby's small house, with a palm-shaded garden. There were only deep red flowers in the garden. The house had a small hallway with a flimsy cane chair. One room was part study and part junkshop, with books strewn everywhere, even on the floor. There was a narrow vegetable garden beside the house.
History
When he invited her inside his house to speak, Father Burnaby warned Lyra against going to the Blue Hotel and eventually revealed the underground sale of dæmons that was going on in the city. He directed her to the Park Hotel as a location where dealers met their clients.
The state of Burnaby's study reminded Lyra of meeting Vaclav Kubiček in Prague. She also noted that Phanourious was the name of the Princess Cantacuzino's dæmon.[1]
Behind the scenes
- Phanourious derives from the Ancient Greek phaínō, meaning to reveal. Saint Phanourious is often prayed to by those wishing to find lost belongings.
Appearances
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 The Secret Commonwealth, Chapter 32