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Sergius
and Bacchus (not to be confused with the Roman god) were born
in Rome in the 3rd century. They were gay soldiers and lovers,
who served as first and second in command of the Roman Emperor’s
army. Wealthy and content, they were on intimate terms with
the Emperor, and were often heard saying, “How pleasant
it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” But jealous
heathens betrayed them to the pagan Emperor as Christians. Tricked
into confessing their beliefs when asked to partake in an unholy
rite, they declined to make a sacrifice. They were then stripped
of their uniforms, forced to dress as women, and paraded through
town chanting, “As brides, you have decked us with women's
gowns and joined us together for you.” Their bodies were
entirely bound with chains, and they were offered even more
wealth and power in return for renouncing their love of Jesus.
An angel appeared and said to the prisoners, “Take courage
and fight against the Devil as athletes of Christ.” They
asked their tormentors, “What profit would it be if we
gained the world, but lost our souls?" Sergius was imprisoned
and Bacchus was brutally flogged, rupturing the soldier’s
liver as his muscular belly was whipped with rawhide. Suddenly,
an angelic voice was heard, saying, “Come rest my noble
athlete and soldier,” and Bacchus succumbed to the angel.
His executioners were momentarily dumbstruck, but came to their
senses and threw the corpse to wild animals to be eaten. Yet
birds protected the Holy body, and monks came and buried him
in a cave. That night, radiantly glowing in an officer’s
uniform, Bacchus appeared to the distraught Sergius in his cell,
and said, “I have been taken from you in body, I am still
with you in the bond of union.” The next day, Sergius
once again declined an opportunity to deny Christ. He was forced
to run nine miles with nails in his boots, but an angel came
and healed his Holy feet. When he waIked normally before his
judges the next day, he was thought to be a sorcerer and forced
to make another torturous run. After refusing one last chance
to be spared, he was sentenced to death. At his execution, Sergius
asked for a moment in which he prayed for the salvation of his
murderers, and was then beheaded. Although not officially recognized
as the patrons of same-sex-unions, Sergius & Bacchus are
also (unofficially) the patrons of gay soldiers and drag queens.
Their feast day is October 7, and is said to be celebrated by
animals. |
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| Ss.
Sergius and Bacchus
Patron Ss. of
Same-Sex Unions |
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