Saints Adrian and Natalia lived in Nicomedia. Adrian was a pagan and an official under Emperor Maximian. He became a Christian after witnessing the courage of twenty-three martyrs who suffered for their faith. He then confessed his love for Jesus Christ, got imprisoned, and endured severe torment.
When Natalia learned of her husband’s arrest, she encouraged him to remain courageous. While many Christians were condemned to death at that time, Adrian was temporarily released. He returned home, but Natalia, fearing he might have renounced his faith in Christ, refused to let him enter.
Adrian was arrested again and, together with other martyrs, endured torture until he fell asleep in the Lord in 304 A.D.
After his death, Natalia prayed that she would not be forced to get married again. Adrian appeared to her in a dream, assuring her that she would soon join him. The saintly Natalia passed away near his grave, in the suburbs of the city where his body had been laid to rest.
The Church celebrates their memory on August 26.
