Bademus

Bademus is a Latinized form of a Persian name of unknown meaning. It is most famously borne by a 4th-century Persian martyr, Saint Bademus (also known as Bademe and Vadim), who was a victim of the persecutions under King Shapur II.

Biography

According to hagiographical accounts, Bademus was a wealthy and noble citizen of Bethlapeta in Persia who founded a monastery. During the thirty-sixth year of Shapur II's persecution, he and seven of his monks were arrested. For months, Bademus lay in chains in a dungeon. A Christian prince named Nersan, Prince of Aria, was also imprisoned for refusing to convert to Zoroastrianism. Initially resolved in his faith, Nersan gave in at the sight of tortures and promised to conform. To test his sincerity, Shapur ordered Bademus moved into Nersan's cell and instructed the prince that if he killed Bademus, his rights would be restored. Nersan refused at first, but after threats from Shapur, he struck Bademus with a sword, injuring but not killing him. Bademus then reproached him, and Nersan finished the killing. Bademus was martyred in the year 376, later recognized as a saint. His story is recorded in martyrdom accounts.

Related Forms

Bademus is the Latinized form from which the Eastern Slavic names derive: Vadim (Russian), Vadym (Ukrainian), and Vadzim (Belarusian), as well as the diminutive Vadik.

• Meaning: Unknown Persian origin
• Usage: Historical (Latinized)
• Notable Bearer: Saint Bademus (d. 376)
• Related Names: Vadim, Vadym, Vadzim, Vadik