When Adrian was brought before the emperor and asked to renounce his faith, he refused and was thrown into prison. Natalia, knowing her husband’s fate, encouraged him and reminded him of the eternal rewards awaiting him in heaven. She herself was a secret Christian, and she found strength in her faith to support her husband in his martyrdom.
Despite the cruel torture inflicted upon Adrian, he remained steadfast in his faith, refusing to worship the pagan gods. Natalia continued to support him, even asking the executioner to begin with her husband so that he would not have to witness the suffering of the other martyrs.
When the time came for their execution, a storm arose and prevented the fire from burning their bodies. Many of the executioners were struck by lightning. Natalia took her husband’s hand and kept it as a precious relic. She later went into hiding to avoid being forced into marriage with a pagan.
Saint Adrian appeared to Natalia in a dream, assuring her that she would soon join him in the presence of the Lord. True to his words, Natalia passed away peacefully, worn out by her sufferings but upheld by her faith.
Saints Adrian and Natalia are remembered as courageous martyrs who stood firm in their faith, inspiring others to follow their example. They are venerated as patrons of married couples, a testament to their love and devotion to each other and to their shared faith in Christ.
May we, like Saints Adrian and Natalia, find strength in our faith to face whatever trials may come our way, trusting in the eternal rewards that await us in the Kingdom of God.
When Natalia’s husband was flogged and tortured, she encouraged him to endure until the end. After enduring lengthy tortures and imprisonment, the emperor ordered that the prisoners’ arms and legs be broken with a hammer and anvil, a cruel act that was carried out. Adrian, along with twenty-three other Christian men, passed away under the extreme torture.
Natalia then took their relics to Argyropolis (near Constantinople) and buried them with honor. A few days later, Adrian appeared to her in heavenly radiance, calling her to join him with God. Natalia peacefully gave up her spirit to God.
Source: vema.com.au