Usthazades

Holy Martyr Usthazades was a high official at the court of the king of Persia and was put to death in the year 341, during the persecution unleashed by King Shapur II. His name is kept in the Church's tradition in connection with Saint Simeon, bishop of Seleucia-⁠Ctesiphon, who was condemned in the same persecution.

According to tradition, Usthazades, who had brought up the king, was a Christian; when Simeon was led to trial, Usthazades wept. The king, finding in this a sign, asked whether he had renounced his faith, and Usthazades confessed that he remained a Christian and was put to death. The Church commemorates him together with Saint Simeon and the other martyrs of Persia.