Bacchus of Thrace

Holy Martyr Bacchus of Thrace is remembered with the soldier Barbarus and with Callimachus and Dionysius. All four lived in the fourth century and served in the army of the emperor Julian the Apostate. Barbarus was a secret Christian. In the war with the Franks he won a single combat against a giant soldier of the enemy, and gained great honour in the army and the favour of the emperor, receiving the title of comes, that is, imperial bodyguard.

After the victory over the Franks, the commander Bacchus wished to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods and offered Barbarus the honour of the first sacrifice, as victor. Barbarus openly confessed himself a Christian and refused to sacrifice. For this, on the order of Julian, he was subjected to many torments: he was hung up and his body was cut until his entrails fell out. Barbarus cried to the Lord, and an angel of God healed his wounds, so that not a trace remained. Seeing the miracle, the commander Bacchus and the soldiers Callimachus and Dionysius believed in Christ and renounced the pagan gods, and for this they were beheaded on the spot. Barbarus was tortured further: they tied him to a wheel, lit a great fire beneath it and poured oil on his body. The power of God kept him unharmed even then, and the fire turned against the tormentors, burned many and killed two. For seven more days he was tormented, still unharmed, and many pagans, seeing the power of God, believed in the true God. At last Barbarus finished his struggle, and in 362 he was beheaded with the sword. His body was buried in Methone in the Peloponnese by the pious bishop Philicius.

Saint Bacchus is commemorated on 19 May, in the new style.