The holy martyrs Sergius and Bacchus, originally from Rome, were noble officials at the court of King Maximian. They sought the mercy of the Heavenly King, believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, and concealed their faith out of fear of the king, who hated Christians. Envious people reported their Christianity to the king, and Maximian decided to test them by calling them to sacrifice to idols. Sergius and Bacchus refused to worship the idols, rebuking the king for his unbelief and the worship of blind gods.
The king, enraged, ordered to strip them of all their dignities and to dress them in women's clothing to disgrace them. After this, he summoned them, urging them to renounce Christ and return to the idols, but the saints did not yield to his persuasion. Maximian sent them to the governor Antioch, hoping that he could force them to renounce their faith.
On the way to Antioch, Sergius and Bacchus prayed, and the Angel of the Lord appeared to them, strengthening them. In Varvalisso, they were handed over to the governor, who, after reading the royal decree, imprisoned them. Antioch tried to convince them to offer sacrifices to the idols, but the saints steadfastly confessed their faith. Bacchus was cruelly beaten and died from the torments, while Sergius, mourning his death, continued to pray.
Later, Sergius was brought before Antioch, who again urged him to renounce Christ, but Sergius remained unwavering. Antioch, enraged, ordered Sergius to be tortured, but he, despite his sufferings, continued to confess his faith. Eventually, Sergius was sentenced to death, and, praying, he accepted his martyr's end.
The bodies of the saints were buried by Christians, and their relics became a source of miracles and healings. The memory of the holy martyrs Sergius and Bacchus is celebrated on October 7, and their life serves as an example of steadfastness in faith and love for Christ.
