ITALY - ROME - CHURCHES OF ST. SERGIUS AND BACCHUS
In ancient times in Rome there were several churches dedicated to Sts. Sergius and Bacchus.
The church of Saints Sergio and Bacco at the Forum, seen from the apse. It was located between the ruins of the Temple of Vespasian and Titus and the Arch of Septimius Severus.
1 - S. Sergii et Bacchi sub Capitolio - built by Pope Agathon in 678, demolished in 1530. Remains of its apse were found in 1812. Now they are no more visible.
(this church in an image by Marteen van Heemskerck: Forum view, from the Tabularium. 1535 - and its position in an ancient map)
2 - S. Sergii (et Bacchi) de Forma aka Iuxta Arcum Basili.
It already existed under the Pope Leo III (795 - 816) with the name of Monasterium Sancti Sergii.
No documents about this church are found after 1301.
3 - Sancti Sergii Palatii Caruli.
In the ninth century it was transformed in a mansion for the Imperator's "Missus" (Ambassador), of which it possibly remained as a private chapel.
4 - S. Sergii (et Bacchi) de Subura aka in Callinico.
This is the only existing church in Rome, although totally changed in its aspect. The church was built in the 8th century. In fact it already existed at the times of pope Leo III (795 - 816). The Liber Pontificalis states that Pope Paschal I (817-824) founded an oratory and a monastery dedicated to Sts Sergius and Bacchus here. In 1045 it was enthrusted to the Benidictine monks. It was rebuilt in 1563 on orders from Pope Paul III. Then Pope Urban VIII (1623 - 1644) entrusted it to the Basilian Ruthenian Monks who still possess it.
The Church dedicated to Sts Sergius and Bacchus is at present the Ukrainian national church, of the Byzantine Ukrainian rite. It is in 3 Piazza Madonna dei Monti, Roma. The church is also known as the Madonna del Pascolo, after the image kept in the church.
The 17th century aspect
In 1641, Pope Urban VIII granted it to the Ruthenian Monks of St Basil, who built a college adjacent to the church. Some changes were also made to the church at that time. In 1969, it was made the national church of the Ukrainians. The college was turned into a hospice for Ukrainian pilgrims.
It was rebuilt again by Francesco Ferrari in the 18th century. Some changes were made by E. Banali at the end of that century.
Actual aspect
The Neo-Classical façade was rebuilt in 1896, and restored in 1970. The inscription on the lower of the three levels record the work done in 1641, mentioning Antonio Cardinal Barberini as the donor. The arms of the Barberini and the Basiliani families are on the middle level. The church is under Byzantine Ukrainian jurisdiction. It is in full communion with the Holy See. The feast of Sts Sergius and Bacchus is celebrated on 24 February.
Interior
There are two side altars; one with a depiction of Sts Sergius and Bacchus, and one with St Basil, both by Ignaz Stern, known also as Ignazio Stella (1680 - 1748) Mariahilf - Austria. This painting represents the moment when, according to the early manuscripts, Bacchus appeared to Sergius that night with a face as radiant as an angel, dressed once again as a soldier. He urged Sergius not to give up because they would be reunited in heaven as lovers.
This is a modern icon, possibly made in Ukraine. We don't have any data about it. If you can send us some data, please send an e-mail to Matt & Andrej Koymasky
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