Martyr
Martyr Azat the Persian
† 344
Also known as: Азад
Martyr Azat the Persian — a eunuch and confidant of King Shapur II, converted by the rebuke of Hieromartyr Simeon of Ctesiphon, executed in 344 together with about a thousand Christians.
Martyr Azat (Azad) the Persian was a eunuch and high court tutor at the court of King Shapur II, held in special favor by the king.
After Bishop Simeon of Ctesiphon-Seleucia, en route to prison, rebuked him for worshipping the sun out of fear, Azat repented and openly confessed his faith in Christ before the king. He was executed with a great multitude of Christians — traditionally about a thousand men and women — during the persecution of 344, during Holy/Paschal week.
His only request was that the king announce he died a Christian, not a traitor, which Shapur granted. The king was so grieved by the death of his beloved eunuch that he temporarily halted executions of Christians.
His feast is kept on April 14/27.