Abdiesus and the Martyrs of Persia

Holy Martyrs Abdiesus and those with him, who suffered in Persia under Shapur.

Abdiesus was among a great company of Christians, clergy and laity, taken captive in the Persian wars and held in Persia during the persecution of King Shapur. When they refused to worship the sun they were put to death together.

Tradition numbers the company at more than two hundred and seventy, including a bishop and priests.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Abdiesus and the Martyrs of Persia is commemorated on April 9. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on April 22 of the civil calendar.

Also commemorated on April 9

• Eudemos

  Martyr, Εύδημος

  Holy Martyr Eudemus.

  Name days: Eudemos

• Raphael, Nicholas and Irene of Lesbos

  Martyr, Ραφαήλ, Νικόλαος και Ειρήνη

  Holy New Martyrs Raphael, Nicholas and Irene of Lesbos, martyred at Thermi and revealed five centuries later.

  Name days: Rafail, Raphael, Rafael, Rafaella, Rafaela, Raffaella

• Eupsychios of Caesarea

  Martyr, Ευψύχιος

  Holy Martyr Eupsychios of Caesarea in Cappadocia, who suffered under Julian the Apostate.

  Name days: Efpsychios, Eupsychius

• Bademus of Persia

  Martyr, Βάδιμος

  Holy Monk-Martyr Bademus, archimandrite in Persia, with seven of his disciples.

  Name days: Vadim, Bademos, Bademus

• Acacius of Amida

  Hierarch, Ακάκιος Αμίδης

  Saint Acacius, Bishop of Amida, who sold the church's vessels to ransom Persian captives.