Holy Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus (†290–303) — October 7 / October 20 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, October 7 according to the Julian Calendar (October 20 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Holy Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus.

The holy martyrs Sergius and Bacchus were Romans who held high positions at the court of Emperor Maximian (284–305; 307–310). Maximian especially loved these loyal courtiers, not knowing that they were Christians. At last, envious men denounced the saints to the ruler, saying that they did not worship the pagan gods. The emperor held a great festival in honor of the false gods, and noticing that the saints were nowhere to be seen, he had them brought by force and demanded that they offer sacrifice to the idols. The chosen ones of the Lord boldly confessed their faith before him.

The enraged Maximian stripped the martyrs of their military ranks, had them dressed in women’s clothing and, with iron collars fastened around their necks, had them paraded through the streets of the city for the mockery of the crowd. Not wishing to torture his beloved courtiers himself, the emperor sent them to Antiochus, governor of the eastern part of Syria, who was notorious for his hatred of Christ — and who had obtained his office through the favor of Sergius and Bacchus. “My fathers and benefactors!” he said to the martyrs. “Have mercy not only on yourselves, but on me as well: I do not wish to torture you!” But those who hoped in the Savior answered: “For us, to live is Christ, and to die for Him is gain.” Then the godless governor ordered Bacchus to be mercilessly beaten, and Sergius to be locked in prison.

Bacchus died under torture in the city of Barbalissus, on the bank of the Euphrates. His body, thrown out to be torn apart by beasts and birds, was secretly carried away by Christians and buried in a cave. That same night Bacchus appeared to Sergius in a vision and strengthened him. The next day Sergius was shod in iron boots studded with long, sharp nails and forced to run behind the chariot of Antiochus as he traveled from city to city. In the Syrian city of Rosafa the martyr was subjected to new and grievous torments. The saint bravely endured his sufferings, offering psalms and prayers to the King of Heaven. At last he was beheaded (between 290 and 303).