Acacius of Amida

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

Acacius was Bishop of Amida in Mesopotamia in the fifth century. When thousands of Persian prisoners of war were dying of hunger, he sold the gold and silver vessels of his church to feed them and send them home.

Tradition relates that the Persian king, moved by this charity, sought peace with the Romans. Acacius reposed in peace.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Acacius of Amida 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

• Abdiesus and the Martyrs of Persia

  Saint, Αβδιησούς και οι συν αυτώ

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