October 7
The holy martyrs Sergius and Bacchus at Rosapha in the province of Augusta Euphratesia in Syria, martyrs. They were nobles at the court of the emperor Maximian, who valued them for their courage, wisdom, and zeal. They refused to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods, and the emperor turned against them, dressing them in women’s clothing and paraded them through the city of Rome. They were then sent to Asia to be tortured. Bacchus died first, and came back from the dead to urge Sergius to fidelity. He was then martyred. (303)
At Vespers
There are six stichera at "O Lord, I have cried". (At weekday Vespers, each is sung twice.)
Tone 6, special melody Vsju otloživše. Having rejected * all earthly might and come to hate the flesh * you came to love our holy God, * and having worn vesture of dishonor, * placed upon you in mockery, * you have received garments of life from heaven * and robes which cannot be torn apart. * Dancing there, O most rich and crowned ones, * be a veil of protection and raiment for all of us * who have been stripped bare in life * through the deception of the cunning serpent.
All-glorious Sergius and all-praises Bacchus, * you vessels of the Spirit, * twin torrents pouring forth healing upon us all, * our protectors and mighty champions of the Church, * two voluntary sacrifices and honored victims, * beacons illumining the ends of the earth with the light of piety: * Dispel the darkness which lies upon our souls * and drive away all the gloom of evil.
O glorious athletes, * having left behind your corruptible bodies, * you have received a habitation which never passes away, * endless gladness and never-waning light, * and incorruptible life without care. * Now pray that we may also receive these things, * having been slain by the passions and turned aside into sin, * O Sergius and Bacchus, * intercessors and havens for the faithful, * who pray with boldness in behalf of our souls.
Glory – Tone 4. Radiant and twofold * is the light shining forth * from the martyrs Sergius and Bacchus, * for they cast down the savagery of the tyrants, * abolished the falsehood of idolatry, * and, preaching with radiant voices, * proclaimed the perfect mystery of divine knowledge. * Through their supplications, O Christ the Giver of the Law, * Judge of the contest and Bestower of crowns, * grant that we may also receive crowns of might * against the invisible powers of evil.
Now and ever – Theotokion, or Stavrotheotokion
The aposticha are from the Octoechos, concluding with:
Glory – Tone 8. The regiment of the martyrs of Christ * has been strengthened against the enemy, * and among them the right glorious and most excellent athletes * Sergius and Bacchus shine like luminaries. * By them was the evil host of demons forced to turn in flight, * by them were the tyrants amazed and the angels astonished, * beholding the incorporeal foe trampled underfoot by corporeal men! * And the Church of the faithful, * celebrating their most festive day and universal joy, cries out: * You bound the mighty one by the weakness of your flesh; * save our souls through the prayers of your saints!
Now and ever – Theotokion, or Stavrotheotokion
Troparion, Tone 5. O persevering Sergius and glorious Bacchus, * you are the staunch support of those who suffer Christ's passion. * O eyes of the Church of Christ, open the eyes of our souls. * Now pray to the Lord that we might escape the darkness of sin, * and that we come to see the Unsetting Sun by your prayers.
At the Divine Liturgy
music - see the October Menaion
Troparion, Tone 5. O persevering Sergius and glorious Bacchus, * you are the staunch support of those who suffer Christ's passion. * O eyes of the Church of Christ, open the eyes of our souls. * Now pray to the Lord that we might escape the darkness of sin, * and that we come to see the Unsetting Sun by your prayers.
Glory – Kontakion, Tone 2. Taking arms against the enemy by understanding, * you wiped out their guile and you triumphed in heaven. * With one heart your praiseworthy martyrs sang this hymn: * It is a good and beautiful thing to be with the Lord.
Prokeimenon, Tone 4 (Ps. 15:3,8).
To all the saints in his land, * the Lord has shown all the wonders of is will.
V. I set the Lord ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
Epistle: Hebrews 11:33-40
Alleluia, Tone 2 (Ps. 132:1,3). Alleuia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
V. Behold, how good and how pleasant when brothers dwell in unity.
V. For there the Lord has commanded the blessing: life forever. .
Gospel: Luke 21:12-19
Communion Hymn (Ps. 32:1).
Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous ones; praise from the upright is fitting. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!