Elevation of the Holy Cross Eastern Orthodox Church

Every husband and wife enter their married lives with great expectations. Sometimes, however, hopes and dreams for a long and prosperous life together are dashed by some unforeseen tragedy. Such was the case for the HOLY MARTYR ADRIAN and NATALIA, his beloved wife.

The saintly couple were both born into wealthy families. Their marriage was to last for only a little over a year. Tradition has it that the wicked Emperor Maximian visited their home town of Nicomedia, determined to seek out every Christian in the village and put them to death. 23 Christians were found hiding in a cave and were taken before the local magistrate. Adrian, who was not yet a Christian (Natalia secretly was), questioned these faithful followers about their motivation for their willingness to suffer for Christ. He was so impressed with their sincerity that he boldly proclaimed before the Emperor: "I AM A CHRISTIAN AS WELL." Natalia faithfully ministered to her husband and fellow Christians while they were in prison. Adrian finally succumbed to the severe tortures inflicted upon him. His grieving wife was permitted to take his remains to Constantinople for burial.

While in Constantinople, Natalia had a vision of her husband Adrian, who appeared to her bathed in brilliant light. He assured her that God would soon be calling her home as well, and that they would then be together in the Kingdom of Heaven. A few days later, Natalia peacefully fell asleep in the Lord, commending her soul into His Divine Hands.