The Saint Sergius in this article is the Fourth Century martyr. For the spiritual leader and monastic reformer of medieval Russia, see Sergii Radonezhsky (Sergius of Radonezh) .

- Saints Sergius and Bacchus. Sergius and Bacchus are commemorated by the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches as martyrs. Officers of the Roman Army in Syria, they were tortured to death circa 303 under Roman Emperor Maximian for their refusal to worship Roman gods. Bacchus is thought to have died from severe torture while Sergius survived the original torture to be beheaded. Both were martyred in Syria, Sergius at Rosafa (Rasifta, Rosafat Hisham) near Rakka. Their feast day is October 7.

In the Byzantine Empire, they were venerated as the protectors of the Army, and a large monastery church was dedicated to them in Constantinople by Justinian, probably in 527.

Sergius was a very famous saint in Syria and Christan Arabia; and Rosafa, which became a bishop's see took the name of Sergiopolis, and preserved his relics in a fortified basilica. The church was adorned and the place further strengthened by Justinian.

Yale historian John Boswell considers these saints to be an example of an early Christian same-sex union, reflecting his controversial view of tolerant early Christians attitudes toward homosexuality. In this interpretation, the icon shown is believed to depict a religious wedding with Jesus as best man.

-- This article includes material from the 9th edition (1886) of an unnamed encyclopedia.

External Links

• Catholic Encyclopedia entry for SS Sergius and Bacchus
• Description and pictures of the Church of SS Sergius & Bacchus, from the website of the Patriarch of Constantinople
• Website describing details of icon shown above
• http://members.aol.com/DrSwiney/sergius1.html