To reach the sanctuary for St.
Sergius and St. Bacchus, you can pass through a narrow canyon, with a tiny
stream to the left and graffiti on the grotto walls. Sergius and Bacchus are
supposed to be officers in the Emperor Maximus' Roman army. As Christians they
refused to resign themselves to Jupiter and were subjects to severely torture
before dying in the year 307. 16 bishops could later on confirm that an extract
of their dead bodies was a fragrant, healing oil, and Sergius and Bacchus were
popular. Many churches were built to honour them, among them, what is today the
Little
Ayasofya Mosque in Istanbul.
But the convent church here in Maalula claims to be the oldest church in
existence, built in the fourth century.
As Bacchus is remembered in Greek mythology, and
there he's associated with greater sensuality and joy, here are served tastes of
sweet wine of local produce.
