Hieromartyr
Avdas of Persia
Hieromartyr Avdas, Bishop of Persia, and Martyr Benjamin the Deacon
New Calendar March 31 Old Calendar April 13
Why they are a saint
Avdas of Persia, Bishop of Persia, is kept among the saints. The same feast also names Benjamin the Deacon. A hieromartyr is honored for dying for Christ while serving as a pastor or, in some commemorations, as a named witness of that rank. The Church honors him as a hieromartyr, one who died for Christ.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Avdas of Persia as a patron when they bear the name Avdas at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on March 31. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Avdas of Persia, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.