Magnificently written as always, and I look forward to more of the earlier stories finding their way to AD.
I should admit that I approached this one with some trepidation, knowing that Mihangel and I have rather different views on religion, and there was a point around halfway through the story when I found myself thinking about giving up on it. But thank God (or whoever) I didn't, because - as JJ says above - the resolution of this is absolutely wonderful, and the final chapter or so almost had me in tears. If you haven't read it yet, do.
I'm with Jeff on the dialogue and erudition of the three main characters: there was a time when a British education could produce well-read (not to mention well-taught) and inquisitive kids. Alas that this seems to be no longer the case...