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Greek Name Days

5th century

Saint Acacius of Amida

Bishop of Amida who sold his diocese's church vessels to buy the freedom of thousands of captives.

9 April

Biography

Acacius was bishop of Amida in Mesopotamia in the early fifth century.

During the Byzantine–Persian war of 421–422, he sold his diocese's precious church vessels to ransom the freedom of seven thousand Christian captives. The act became known as an example of charity and self-sacrifice by a pastor of the Church.

Sources and further reading