The Venerable Martyr Vadim

April 22nd (April 9th Old Calendar)

St. Vadim was born to a prominent family in the Persian town of Bithlapet. Having distributed his riches, he built in the suburbs of the town a monastery which he dedicated to the archimandrite. In order to focus his thoughts on God and for more concentrated prayers, he sometimes departed to a neighboring desert mountain, and here he was once found worthy to have a vision of God.

During the reign of king Shapur I (376 A.D.) St. Vadim and his disciples were incarcerated. For four months they were oppressed and tortured so that they would renounce their faith in Christ. But the holy witnesses valorously endured all. They were joined in jail by a certain Nirsan, a Christian commander of the town of Aria. Fearing torture, Nirsan renounced Christ and promised the king to accomplish all his bidding. Then king Shapur ordered Nirsan to kill the archimandrite Vadim. Nirsan with trembling hands began to smite St. Vadim and only after many blows was able to sever his head. Later on his disciples were also executed and became martyrs.

Shortly thereafter, not being able to cope with the torments of his conscience, Nirsan committed suicide. 


 

Holy Protection Russian Orthodox Church

2049 Argyle Ave. Los Angeles, California 90068

 

(vadim_martyr.doc, 08-10-2000)