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E02523: The Homily (memrā) on *Sergios and *Bakchos (soldiers and martyrs of Rusafa and Barbalissos, S00023, S00079) is written in Syriac during the late 5th/early 6th c. by Jacob of Serugh (c. 451-521). It celebrates the story of the martyrdom of Sergios, while putting emphasis on the martyr's steadfastness and love of God.
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posted on 2017-03-08, 00:00 authored by sminovJacob of Serugh, Homily on Sergios and Bakchos
Whereas the title of the Homily features the names of both Sergios and Bakchos, the text itself relates only to the former. In his exposition of Sergios' martyrdom, the author does not seem to follow the main narrative line of their life as found in the Acts of Sergios and Bakchos ($E02523), limiting himself to allusion to some of its main points. Lacking a clear structure, the homily elaborates such themes as Sergios' allegiance to two kings (i.e. Maximianus and God), the emptiness of pagan religion, the martyr's Christ-like endurance of suffering and humiliation, as well as his love for God. In the concluding section, the following reflection on the efficacy of saints' relics is offered:
'God is present within the dust of the bones of the just / and his strength is inseparable from the soil of his servants and He is content [with them].
He is a good companion and whosoever have joined Him and journeyed with Him, / He does not abandon them, nor, even in death, does He disown them.
For in a miracle He shows the love he bears towards one who loves Him, / for He does not change towards those He cherishes, so as to forget them.
On their dust abides His shekinah in a holy way / and his power radiates from their bones in a mighty way.
He is a good friend, who, once those He loves have died in his hope, / even after death shows that his love is great towards them.
On the skeletons of his friends He gazes and is attentive to them / and causes to shine out from them his great power, in order to increase their fame.
In the bodies of his friends, on dust, He shows his power, / so as to teach the world that not even in death does He abandon his friends.'
Text: Bedjan 1890-97. Translation: Palmer 2015, 365.
Whereas the title of the Homily features the names of both Sergios and Bakchos, the text itself relates only to the former. In his exposition of Sergios' martyrdom, the author does not seem to follow the main narrative line of their life as found in the Acts of Sergios and Bakchos ($E02523), limiting himself to allusion to some of its main points. Lacking a clear structure, the homily elaborates such themes as Sergios' allegiance to two kings (i.e. Maximianus and God), the emptiness of pagan religion, the martyr's Christ-like endurance of suffering and humiliation, as well as his love for God. In the concluding section, the following reflection on the efficacy of saints' relics is offered:
'God is present within the dust of the bones of the just / and his strength is inseparable from the soil of his servants and He is content [with them].
He is a good companion and whosoever have joined Him and journeyed with Him, / He does not abandon them, nor, even in death, does He disown them.
For in a miracle He shows the love he bears towards one who loves Him, / for He does not change towards those He cherishes, so as to forget them.
On their dust abides His shekinah in a holy way / and his power radiates from their bones in a mighty way.
He is a good friend, who, once those He loves have died in his hope, / even after death shows that his love is great towards them.
On the skeletons of his friends He gazes and is attentive to them / and causes to shine out from them his great power, in order to increase their fame.
In the bodies of his friends, on dust, He shows his power, / so as to teach the world that not even in death does He abandon his friends.'
Text: Bedjan 1890-97. Translation: Palmer 2015, 365.
History
Evidence ID
E02523Saint Name
Sergios, martyr in Syria, ob. 303-311 : S00023 Bakchos, martyr in Barbalissos (Syria), ob. c. 303-311 : S00079Saint Name in Source
ܣܪܓܝܤ ܒܟܘܤRelated Saint Records
Type of Evidence
Liturgical texts - Hymns Literary - Sermons/HomiliesLanguage
- Syriac
Evidence not before
451Evidence not after
521Activity not before
451Activity not after
521Place of Evidence - Region
MesopotamiaPlace of Evidence - City, village, etc
SerughPlace of evidence - City name in other Language(s)
Serugh Edessa Edessa Ἔδεσσα EdessaMajor author/Major anonymous work
Jacob of SerughCult activities - Liturgical Activity
- Chant and religious singing
