Old Style Date: April 9. Saint Vadim, whose memory is commemorated on this day, was an archimandrite in Persia in the 4th century. By the ruler's order, Vadim and seven disciples were thrown into prison, where they were subjected to cruel tortures. The martyrs endured four months of torture. According to his life, the steadfastness of Vadim and his disciples greatly impressed the pagans, many of whom later converted to Christianity. On Vadim’s day, known among the people as the Keymaster, people went to the springs (keys), cleaned them, and chanted, “Underground water, we unlock the paths of spring for you.” Afterward, they took water from the springs, washed with it, and drank it—believing that it would strengthen their health. Also, at the springs, people divined the death and life of the sick. When going for water, they spoke to no one, and upon arrival, they prayed to all four directions and asked about the person: for the living or the dead? If a long life was foreseen for the person—water was supposed to remain clear as glass. If death awaited the sick person—the springs might bubble violently. On the day of Vadim the Keymaster, cattle were also driven to pastures where fresh grass had grown sufficiently.   Name days on this day: Vadim, Gavriil, Martha