Martyr
Razhden of Persia the Georgian
Martyr Razhden the Persian of Georgia († 457)
New Calendar August 3 Old Calendar August 16
Why they are a saint
Saint Razhden the Protomartyr was descended from a noble Persian family. When Holy King Vakhtang Gorgasali married the daughter of the Persian king Hormuzd III Balunducht, the queen took Razhden with her to Georgia. Venerated as a martyr who died for the faith in Christ.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Razhden of Persia the Georgian as a patron when they bear the name Razhden at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on August 3. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Razhden of Persia the Georgian, 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.