Martyr Gavedday (Gavdelas) of Persia, Prince

Martyr Dada was a distinguished courtier (per some sources, a provincial governor) at the court of the Persian king Shapur II (r. 309-379), who secretly converted to Christianity. When his faith was discovered, Shapur condemned Dada to be burned; tradition holds that when Dada made the sign of the cross, the flames were extinguished — this miracle was witnessed by, and converted, the king's own son, Prince Gavedday (Gavdelas). Having openly confessed Christ before his father, Gavedday was subjected by the king himself to prolonged and cruel torture — burning, beating, mutilation, being dragged behind a horse, being shot with arrows — but, tradition holds, was miraculously healed after each torment, until he finally died, pierced by a spear. His own sister, Princess Kazdoia, who secretly brought her brother water in prison and witnessed his miracles, likewise openly declared herself a Christian, was imprisoned and tortured alongside him, received communion, and died peacefully. Dada himself was executed by the sword. The memory of all three — Dada, Gavedday, and Kazdoia — is kept together, on September 29/October 12.