Adrian and Natalia of Nicomedia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintsAdrian and Natalia of Nicomedia |
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Saint Adrian and his wife, Saint Natalia
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| Martyrs | |
| Died | 4 March 306 Nicomedia (modern-day İzmit, Turkey) |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church Coptic Orthodox Church Eastern Orthodox Church |
| Major shrine | Argyropolis (Thrace) near Constantinople; Geraardsbergen, Belgium; Church of Sant'Adriano al Foro, Rome |
| Feast | 8 September 1 December |
| Attributes | depicted armed, with an anvil in his hands or at his feet |
| Patronage | plague, epilepsy, arms dealers, butchers, guards, soldiers, peacekeeping missions |
Saint Adrian (also known as Hadrian) and his wife Natalia were early Christian heroes. Adrian was a guard for the Roman Emperor Galerius Maximian. He lived in Nicomedia, a city in what is now Turkey. Adrian and Natalia became Christians and faced great challenges for their faith. Adrian is especially honored in parts of Europe like Flanders, Germany, and northern France. He is considered a very important military saint, almost as famous as Saint George.
Adrian's Brave Story
Adrian and Natalia lived in Nicomedia around the early 300s. Adrian was a high-ranking officer, in charge of the emperor's special guards. He was only 28 years old at the time.
One day, Adrian was watching as some Christians were being questioned and hurt. He asked them what they hoped to gain from God for their bravery. They answered with words from the Bible, saying that God had amazing things ready for those who love Him, things no one had ever seen or heard.
Adrian was so impressed by their strong faith and courage that he openly said he believed in Christianity too. Even though he had not yet been baptized, he was immediately put in prison.
Natalia's Support
Adrian was not allowed to have visitors in prison. But his wife, Natalia, was very brave. She dressed up as a boy to sneak in and visit him. She wanted to ask him to pray for her when he went to Heaven. This shows how much she supported him and shared his faith.
After Adrian was executed, the people in charge wanted to burn the bodies of the Christians. However, a big storm suddenly started. The rain and wind put out the fire, preventing the bodies from being burned.
Honoring Saints Adrian and Natalia
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Saint Adrian and his wife Natalia are celebrated together on August 26. This date is September 8 on the modern calendar. Adrian also has a separate feast day on March 4.
In the Roman Catholic Church, Saint Adrian is honored alone on September 8. The Coptic Orthodox Church also remembers Saint Adrian and his friends on September 8. They mention Natalia's important role during their church readings.
Saint Adrian is often shown as a soldier, holding an anvil or with an anvil at his feet. An anvil is a heavy block of metal used by blacksmiths. This image might symbolize his strength and endurance. He is a patron saint for soldiers, guards, and even butchers.
A church in Rome, called Sant'Adriano al Foro, was built in his honor way back in 630 AD. This shows how important he was to early Christians.
See Also
- Saint Adrian or Hadrian of Nicomedia, patron saint archive
