Life of Natalia and Adrian
During the reign of Maximilian Galerius, a married couple lived in Nicomedia of Bithynia. Hadrian was a pagan and the head of the court chamber under the emperor. Natalya secretly converted to Christianity. They got married young. The difference in religion did not prevent them from loving each other and living in harmony.
Maximilian Galerius persecuted Christians and brutally dealt with them. One day his soldiers caught 23 believers who were hiding in a cave. Adrian, in his position, added each of them to the list. He was wondering why these people, so different, calmly and humbly accepted the fact that they were executed, and at the same time could be cruelly tortured. He asked everyone what his faith gave him. The answers were the same, that they could not express in words what God had prepared for everyone, what generous gifts and bliss awaited them ahead.
The head of the judicial chamber was at first surprised, then he himself believed in the existence and power of the Almighty. After reflection and observation, Adrian wrote himself down on the list, number 24.
The emperor was greatly surprised by this act. The head of the judicial chamber has long been a faithful and dutiful servant. He gave him a chance, offering to cross himself out, make a sacrifice to the gods and return to the pagan faith. But Adrian refused. Natalya was there all the time and supported her husband in every possible way.
At the trial, the day of execution was set and the young husband was sent home. This was a test of firmness of faith. Moreover, the family could not leave the city. At first Natalya thought that he had abandoned his faith and did not want to let him into the house. Adrian explained everything to her.
Natalya did not leave her husband’s side and supported him morally. The execution was cruel. Christians had their arms and legs smashed with a heavy hammer, breaking their bones. They died as martyrs, from pain and loss of blood.
A secret Christian woman helped her husband overcome all difficulties. She even placed his hands on the chopping block and continuously prayed to Jesus Christ to take care of her wife. They wanted to burn the bodies of executed Christians and scatter the ashes so as not to leave any memory of them. But a thunderstorm began, the fire went out, and several guards were killed by lightning.
Natalya was young, beautiful and rich. She prayed to the Lord not to be married off and wanted to unite with her husband. Someone who wanted to marry her was found very quickly. It was the commander of the army. He asked the emperor for permission to marry the widow. At night, her husband appeared to Natalya in a dream and said that they would soon be together. A few days later, the woman was found dead at her husband's grave.
How does the icon of Saint Natalia help?
The icon of the holy martyr Natalia should be in the home of every woman who bears her name. The saint is considered the patroness of family well-being, so her image will serve as an excellent amulet, as well as protect from various sorrows and troubles.
Life of Saint Natalia
Natasha, the patroness of all, lived long before our time, when the Christian faith was completely infringed upon. She married the rich Adrian, who worked as a bailiff in court. But the girl never boasted of her civil status. On the contrary, she often helped and supported the poor and suffering, for which she was very respected and loved.
This woman became a Christian before her husband and preached the faith and was engaged in good deeds. When adherents of Christianity began to be detained en masse, her husband ended up in prison. Natalia constantly came to him, communicated with other prisoners and assured everyone to believe in the existence of another heavenly life. In order to be able to see her husband, she cut her hair short and dressed like a man in order to have access to the dungeon.
After some time, all the detainees were severely beaten and executed. The woman watched the death of her husband and was with him to the end. After the execution, she secretly took her husband's severed hand and soon took it to Byzantium, where the remains of the executed men were buried. After this, she herself gave up her soul to the Lord, uniting forever with her beloved.
She was canonized, and today this great martyr is remembered annually on September 8.
Icon of the Holy Martyr Natalia, meaning
The miraculous icon depicts the Great Martyr Natalya, who suffered great mental suffering. She always wears the martyr's white coat. She holds a cross in her hand, which symbolizes the saint’s sacrifice. Sometimes a bundle is depicted in the second hand, or the saint leans it against her chest. The clothes on the great martyr are always red, as a sign of great faith and suffering brought in her name.
A rare feature of the icon of Saint Natalia is her full-length image.
In many Orthodox churches there is an icon of “St. Natalia”, the significance of which is great for married couples. This woman experienced great suffering as she watched her husband suffer. She was with him all the time, both spiritually and physically. She did not leave her husband until his soul left his lifeless body.
What do they pray for to the icon of Saint Natalia:
- for a happy marriage;
- for well-being and a quiet family hearth;
- for spouses who are in prison or under judicial arrest.
“O sacred duo, holy martyrs of Christ Adrian and Natalia, blessed spouses and good sufferers! Hear us praying to you with tears, and send down upon us all that is good for our souls and bodies, and pray to Christ God to have mercy on us and to deal with us in His mercy, so that we do not perish in our sins.
Hey, holy martyrs! Receive the voice of our prayer, and deliver us with your prayers from famine, destruction, cowardice, flood, fire, hail, sword, invasion of foreigners and internecine warfare, from sudden death and from all troubles, sorrows and illnesses, so that we may be forever strengthened by your prayers and intercession Let us glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, to Him belongs all glory, honor and worship, with His beginningless Father and the Most Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen".
May the Lord protect you!
You will also be interested in watching a video about the life of Saint Natalia:
How do prayers to martyrs Natalia and Adrian help?
Prayer to Adrian and Natalya helps maintain harmony in the family, mutual understanding and respect. She returns love to the spouses. The girls turn to both saints or only to Natalya in order to quickly meet their loved one and have a wedding. The holy spouses are asked to:
- wanting to find mutual love;
- to save the family;
- when you need to return your loved one;
- about a happy marriage (follow the link for a complete collection of prayers for marriage and love).
Natalya and Adrian married for love and learned the joy of life with a person who loves and understands you. They hear people's prayers and strive with all their might to make families happy.
The prayers are read all in turn or just one. On the day of remembrance of the holy martyrs Natalia and Adrian, songs of praise are sung to them in the church.
Prayer to Saint Natalia
O holy saint of God Natalya, after a good battle on earth, she saw in heaven the crown of justice that the Lord had prepared for all those who love Him; However, looking at your holy image, we rejoice at the glorious end of your home and honor your holy memory. But you, standing before the Throne of God, accept our prayers and bring them to the Merciful God, forgive us all our sins and help us to rebel against the tricks of the devil and free ourselves from pain, illness, troubles and misfortunes and everything else. Evil, pious and just we will live in present eternally and we will be glorified by your intercession, if you are unworthy of Esma, see goodness in the land of the living, glorifying the One in your glorified saints God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit now and throughout the ages of ages. Amen.
Troparion and Kontakion to Martyrs Adrian and Natalia of Nicomedia
Troparion tone 4
Troparion voice 3
Kontakion voice 4
In Kontakion voice 4
The meaning of the name Natalya
Natalya, Natasha, Natasha Rostova is the favorite heroine of Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy. In this image, he merged into one the charm and charm of youth, sensitivity and ardor, the ability to live life to the fullest, inner beauty, through which the harmony of human nature is achieved. With the light hand of the writer, the image of Natasha became the ideal of a woman. Following this, the popularity of the name Natalia increased sharply. Of course, the name Natalya was known earlier; it was especially loved in noble families. And in this sense, it is no coincidence that Tolstoy uses it in the novel.
The name Natalya is Late Latin in origin. It is part of the phrase “Nativity of the Lord” - “Natalis Domini”. The adjective “natalis” itself is usually translated as “Christmas” or “pertaining to birth.”
By the way, in Italy Christmas is called Natale. This name is very popular in Europe, although its sound is somewhat different. So among the British, Germans and French - this is Natalie. And the diminutive forms of the name sound like Netty, Nata and Nana. But the Spaniards, Portuguese, Italians, Hungarians, Romanians and Greeks still retain the Natalia we know. It was this church form of the name that was popular in Russia until the October Revolution.
Adrian and Natalia holy martyrs
(26 August / 8 September)
The spouses Adrian and Natalia lived in the city of Nicomedia in the Bithynia region of Asia Minor. Adrian served as an official of Emperor Maximian Galerius (305-311), a persecutor of Christians and was himself a pagan. His wife Natalia was a secret Christian.
There were persecutions of believers near Nicomedia; 23 people took refuge in one of the caves, were caught, tried, tortured and forced to sacrifice to idols. Later they were taken to the courthouse to have their names written down. Here is Adrian, who was the head of the ward. He asked them what reward they expected from their God for their torment. They answered him: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor. 2:9). According to legend, having heard this, Adrian said to the scribes: “Write down my name along with them, because I am a Christian.” Adrian was sent to prison with them. The emperor advised him to cross out his name from the list of Christians and ask for forgiveness, but Adrian assured him that he was not mad, but did so out of his own conviction.
Having learned about what had happened, Natalia hurried to prison, where she supported and encouraged Adrian. “Blessed are you, my lord, for you have believed in Christ, you have acquired a great treasure. Do not regret anything earthly, neither beauty, nor youth (Adrian was only 28 years old at the time), nor wealth. Everything earthly is dust and decay. God pleases only faith and good deeds.” When Christian prisoners were sentenced to death, Adrian was sent home for a short time so that he could tell his wife about this, but Natalia, deciding that he had renounced, did not let him into the house at first
“Get away from me, you deceiver! I don't want to hear your voice. I don’t want to talk to someone who betrayed Christ. I had already called myself the wife of a martyr, but suddenly I became the wife of an apostate. My joy was short!” - Adrian, hearing these reproachful speeches, rejoiced and was surprised at the fortitude of the young woman.
“Don’t be afraid and let me in,” he said. “I didn’t renounce Christ, I didn’t run away from torment, as you think.” I came for you to make you a witness to my death. Open it quickly, otherwise I’ll have to leave without seeing you, and then you’ll cry because you didn’t see me for the last time.”
Adrian returned to prison, where, together with other martyrs, he was subjected to terrible torture: the martyrs’ arms and legs were broken with a heavy hammer, which is why they died in terrible agony. When it was Adrian’s turn, Natalia’s greatest fear was that her husband would lose heart and renounce Christ. She strengthened Adrian and held his arms and legs while the executioner beat them with a hammer. Saint Adrian died along with the rest of the martyrs in 304. When their bodies began to be burned, a thunderstorm arose and the furnace went out, and several executioners were killed by lightning.
Even before Adrian's death, Natalia asked him to pray that she would not be forced to marry. After some time, the army commander wanted to marry Natalia, who was still young and rich. Then Adrian appeared to her in a dream and said that she would soon follow him. And so it happened: Natalia died on the coffin of her husband on the outskirts of the city of Byzantium, where his body was transferred by believers. In memory of the holy martyrs, the name day of Adrian and Natalia is celebrated on September 8.
AKATHIST
Kontakion 1
The chosen servant of God and the all-praised martyr of Christ, who despised all the vanity of this world for the sake of love for Christ, the Son of God, and laid down her life as an immaculate and pure sacrifice, moreover desiring to accept torture and death, rather than denying the true God, we praise you with love, holy Adrian and Natalia! You, standing in joy at the Throne of the Glory of the Lord and enjoying the sight of Him, pray for us sinners who flow to you with faith and reverence, and let us cry out to you in gratitude: Rejoice, Saints Adrian and Natalia, all-praised martyrs of Christ and invincible sufferers!
Ikos 1
With angelic love for the Lord, burning with love, you unceasingly sent out fervent prayers to God your Savior, O all-blessed Natalia, may the ray of His grace illuminate the darkened heart of your spouse and turn it to the knowledge of Him, your Creator and Lord, until the King of Kings has heard your tearful petitions and touched your heart Adrianova, and your husband of faith, with all his soul, and with a cheerful heart, endured the most severe torments, and accepted death itself for Christ without fear. Also, reverently amazed at your love for Christ and zeal for God, we joyfully cry to you:
Rejoice, all-bright lamps, burning with Divine love; Rejoice, pillars of steadfastness against the bitterness of the wicked idolaters. Rejoice, having borne the Cross of Christ with patience and devotion; Rejoice, for this holy victory is a sign of having defeated the devil and his wiles. Rejoice, you who have received incorruptible crowns and received glory from the Lord for your wedding; Rejoice, for now in Heaven you stand before the Almighty Throne and pray for us sinners. Rejoice, Saints Adrian and Natalia, all-validated martyrs of Christ and invincible sufferers!
Kontakion 2
Seeing the Lord the purity of your heart, all-honorable Adrian, even if darkened by the darkness of polytheism, but still ready to accept the Truth, deign to call you into His wonderful light and open to you the doors of His Kingdom, through the prayers of your holy wife, with joy you cried out to the Triune God who enlightened you soul, song of praise: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
The mind of true knowledge of God suddenly embraced your soul, Adrian, when, at the command of the Tsarev, you wrote down with other notaries the names of the holy martyrs who were known to suffer and die for the name of Christ, when you asked the servants of the Lord what reward they would receive from the Lord in His Kingdom For all the torment, you answered that it is impossible for a mortal tongue to utter and a weak mind to comprehend what God has prepared for those who love Him. But you, having abandoned all idolatry of evil, you rushed to Christ with all your heart and cried out boldly: “And I am a Christian!” In honor of your appeal to the true Sun of Truth, we pray that you, together with your spouse, Saint Natalia, receive from us, sinners, the praises of the titan:
Rejoice, holy servant of the true God; Rejoice, O zealous doer of His will. Rejoice, for all the red and sweet things of this world were despised by nature for the sake of Christ; Rejoice, for you have offered earthly love and marital happiness as a sacrifice to your Lover. Rejoice, you who teach us not to cleave to earthly goods, but to ascend in spirit to God; Rejoice, you who enlighten our weakness and ascend the ladder of the shrine, who help us. Rejoice, Saints Adrian and Natalia, all-validated martyrs of Christ and invincible sufferers!
Kontakion 3
Strengthened by the power from above, you marched, blessedly, courageously to the task set before you, thirsting to die for your beloved Savior and God. Your spouse, Saint Natalia, with prayers and admonitions helped you to lift the cross sent to you from the Lord, and accept the crown of incorruptibility prepared for you in Heaven, and boldly sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having gone to the lawless court of Maximian, you were shut up in a dark prison, where you spent the whole night with other holy martyrs in prayers, chants and spiritual conversations. Your loving spouse, having despised the weakness of women and the natural love of the flesh, imputed nothing to anything, in every possible way convincing you not to deviate from the faith of Christ, but to the end remain an unshakable confessor of the name of Jesus and not be afraid of death. Moreover, as a true warrior of Christ, we cry to you in spiritual joy:
Rejoice, you who are zealous for orthodoxy; Rejoice, fearless denouncer of evil. Rejoice, having put on patience like strong armor; Rejoice, the Cross of Christ is like an invincible weapon in your hand. Rejoice, for you surprised the lawless tormentors with your supernatural courage; Rejoice, for by you the name of God has been glorified. Rejoice, Saints Adrian and Natalia, all-validated martyrs of Christ and invincible sufferers!
Kontakion 4
Driving away the storm of cowardice and fear from your heart, glorious Adrian, and strengthening you for the upcoming martyrdom, your blessed wife Natalia did not stop talking to you all night about the wonderful and great reward that God has prepared for those who lay down their lives for Him, and this is what she told you. : “Blessed are you, my lord, for you have found a priceless treasure, precious beads - Christ your Lord! Do not retreat again into the darkness of idols, but always remain faithful to Him who loved you, crying out to Him with all your heart: Alleluia.”
Ikos 4
Hearing Saint Natalia, sitting in her house, as if you were coming to her from prison, and thinking that you were afraid of torment and rejected Christ, weeping bitterly and, coming to you from the door of the house, began to reproach you because you had departed from the faith of Christ. But you, rejoicing in spirit and even more strengthened for suffering, told her with tears that not only did you not depart from Christ, but you were even more willing to suffer for His Holy Name. Wondering at such heights of Christian love, we cry out to you with tenderness:
Rejoice, you have revealed the true image of Christian marriage; Rejoice, having truly shown heavenly love in yourself. Rejoice, for you who inspired the feat of self-sacrifice of Christ for our sake; Rejoice, all the red of this transitory world who teach us to despise. Rejoice, you who have left this world and soar in spirit to those who exhort us on high; Rejoice, in all those who are with us, they see the will of God and help us. Rejoice, Saints Adrian and Natalia, all-validated martyrs of Christ and invincible sufferers!
Kontakion 5
Showing wonderful mercy and love, O Natalia, you fell at the feet of the prisoners, in prison together with your husband for the name of Christ, and you kissed their sacred sores, wiped away their pus, bringing relief and joy to them in every possible way and in heartfelt tenderness to the Heavenly God crying angelic song: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Having seen the wicked tormentor, the holy prisoners, locked in prison with you, having reached exhaustion from their wounds, as if they were by no means strong enough to endure the most severe torment, he commanded the only one, Adriana, to bring you before his judgment and in every possible way admonished you to deny Christ, frightening you with the torments that were to come. Moreover, strengthened above and consoled by your blessed wife, you remained strong, like adamant, against the temptation of the enemy. For this reason, your suffering for Christ is pleasing in love, and your holy spouse is magnifying, we joyfully cry to you:
Rejoice, victorious servant of the Most High God; Rejoice, confessor of the faith of Christ, loudly proclaimed. Rejoice, the idolatrous charms of boldness; Rejoice, undaunted preachers of the glory of God. Rejoice, you who were not afraid of Maximian’s wrath; Rejoice, you who imputed his rage to nothing. Rejoice, Saints Adrian and Natalia, all-validated martyrs of Christ and invincible sufferers!
Kontakion 6
You appeared as a great-voiced preacher, Adrian, when, standing before the Tsar's judgment, you fearlessly confessed Christ to be the true God who created heaven and earth, but you exposed the delusion of idols, and for this confession and reproof you took the most severe beating, crying out to your hero: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
The light of the glory of Heaven shines upon your face, wise and suffering, always beaten in the womb, as if your womb was poured out from cruel blows, you did not cease to glorify Christ and confess His Holy Name before all the people. Blessed Natalia, rejoicing in spirit, seeing your patience and courage, and strengthening you in prayer, may your soul not faint and may you remain a faithful servant of Christ to the end, and together with you we, sinners, sing to her:
Rejoice, sacred dwelling of the Holy Spirit; Rejoice, glorious receptacle of the grace of Christ. Rejoice, being illuminated mentally and physically by the Divine light; Rejoice, you are enlightened from above by Christ the King. Rejoice, being strengthened by the power of His Divinity; Rejoice, you who fearlessly marched towards the feat of suffering. Rejoice, Saints Adrian and Natalia, all-validated martyrs of Christ and invincible sufferers!
Kontakion 7
Although the wicked king again called you to the judgment, glorious Hadrian, shut you up in prison with the other holy martyrs, where Saint Natalia came to you and began to please and strengthen your patience, saying: “Blessed are you, my lord, for you have been worthy of the honor of the saints martyrs of Christ! With great rejoicing, you cried out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
The evil tormentor, concocting a new plot, ordered his howls not to let the wives into prison among the prisoners, who come from the city to console and relieve the sufferers of Christ. Then you, Saint Natalia, are forbidden to see your husband and serve him; Otherwise, you neglected the king’s command, you came to prison in a man’s attire, and as before you strengthened your holy husband, so that he might courageously come to torment and death for Christ the Lord. For this reason, we worthily praise you together with your holy husband and cry out to you:
Rejoice, bright adornment of the servants of Christ; Rejoice, glorious glory to the confessors of the name of Jesus. Rejoice, you who love the narrow path and show it to us; Rejoice, for through this quiet refuge, the Kingdom of Christ, you have reached. Rejoice, for now you abide in endless glory and bliss; Rejoice, for through your prayers you save us from troubles and misfortunes. Rejoice, Saints Adrian and Natalia, all-validated martyrs of Christ and invincible sufferers!
Kontakion 8
A strange and wonderful thing was visible in the prison where you were imprisoned, Adrian, with the other sufferers of Christ, when, at the command of the formidable tormentor, you crushed your legs. Then, for your holy wife herself will lift up your noses and place them on the anvil, so that they may be cut off from the hands of the tormentors, and you will quickly unite with your Lord, singing to Him unceasingly: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
All burning with love for Christ, martyr Adrian, you remained in patience until your most blessed death, when your pure soul was united with your Lord, for His name you suffered so much, as your hand was cut off. Honoring your martyrdom, we cry out to you and Saint Natalia with faith:
Rejoice, you who have endured mental and physical anguish for Christ; Rejoice, you who flew to God with the wings of heavenly love. Rejoice, like eagles, soaring to the Sun of Truth; Rejoice, having risen to the Unevening Light from the vale of tears. Rejoice, you who have found your place in the host of saints; Rejoice, together with all the saints in Heaven, who sang the wonderful song of Botu. Rejoice, Saints Adrian and Natalia, all-validated martyrs of Christ and invincible sufferers!
Kontakion 9
All the pride of the inhuman tormentor was quickly put to shame, when heavy rain extinguished the fiery flame and did not allow the honorable remains of the holy martyrs of Christ to burn, and the city was also drowned by water, and the people of wickedness were terrified by thunder and lightning. But you, blessed Natalia, sang in joy to Christ, who arranges everything in good order: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The flurry of earthly praises does not suffice for the praise of your exploits, holy martyrs of Christ Adrian and Natalia, for you have neglected the temporal glory and greatness of the earth, forsake all and lay down your soul for faith in Christ, but having overcome the natural weakness of women, you have struggled courageously and strengthened her husband in his torment and rejoicing at his blessed death. While your deeds are worthy of praise, we bewilderedly cry out to you with love:
Rejoice, having raised the Cross of Christ on the frame with a cheerful heart; Rejoice, you did not faint under its weight. Rejoice, former imitators of Christ’s passion; Rejoice, having crucified your flesh with its passions and lusts. Rejoice, you who have shown the image of love and meekness in yourself; Rejoice, having taught us to bear each other’s burdens. Rejoice, Saints Adrian and Natalia, all-validated martyrs of Christ and invincible sufferers!
Kontakion 10
To save the bodies of the holy martyrs from desecration and dishonor, a certain pious man and his wife came to Saint Natalia and other Christian brethren, asking them to deign to take the holy relics with him to Byzantium and place them there honestly until the time when the wicked Maximian died . The Christians of the city of Nicomedia consented to the request of this man and, having entrusted him with a valuable treasure to God, joyfully cried out: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
As we are protected by a wall with your holy prayers, Saints Adrian and Natalia, you always help us in all our troubles and misfortunes, especially when we celebrate your memory with love and glorify Christ our God for you. Preserved by your warm prayers for us, we truly praise you for these titles:
Rejoice, for our constant prayer to God; Rejoice, our helpers have the burning warmth of love for us. Rejoice, our speedy intercessors and mentors; Rejoice, our teachers, who teach us to live pleasingly to God. Rejoice, our loving friends, who are condescending to our weaknesses; Rejoice, you who raise us to the heights of virgin purity and passionlessness. Rejoice, Saints Adrian and Natalia, all-validated martyrs of Christ and invincible sufferers!
Kontakion 11
You offered singing to God with all your heart, blessed Natalia, when you delivered you from the hand of the tribune, who wanted you as his wife. You, as the faithful wife of the martyr of Christ Adrian, did not want to commit a second attempt on your husband’s behalf, and you fled with prayer, boarding a ship, to Byzantium, where the body of your holy husband was laid to rest. Having reached this city, you cried out to the Lord God with love: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
A bright lamp, a ship appeared, on which you sailed through the depths of the sea, having with you valuable beads, the hand of your holy husband, whose prayers escaped the persecution of the tribune, you reached Byzantium unharmed and, kissing the body of your blessed master with a joyful soul, in spiritual tenderness your soul in You have betrayed the hand of the Lord. How majestic is your departure to the Lord together with Saint Adrian, we sing to you:
Rejoice, blessed spouses who lived on earth in love and were not separated after death; Rejoice, close friends of the Lord, who dwell at His Throne. Rejoice, you who enjoy the sight of His all-light; Rejoice, you who fully taste eternal bliss. Rejoice, having found peace in the villages of the righteous; Rejoice, you who left your holy relics for us on earth for healing. Rejoice, Saints Adrian and Natalia, all-validated martyrs of Christ and invincible sufferers!
Kontakion 12
The grace-filled vessels revealed your honest relics, given to us by Christ God, to whom the holy martyrs of Christ diligently flow, the resolution of sins through your prayers is acceptable, crying out to God with all your heart: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing your honest suffering and blessed death, through which you ascended to the Gornaya, to all the saints who have pleased God from the ages, we praise you, the all-glorious martyr of Christ, Adriana and Natalia, and earnestly pray to unceasingly remember us at the Throne of Glory, who please you:
Rejoice, martyrs, glorious and valiant warriors of Christ; Rejoice, invincible passion-bearers and victorious glory-bearers. Rejoice, great champions of the true faith; Rejoice, lamp of unquenchable virtues. Rejoice, coals, burning with Divine love; Rejoice, crowned ones, in the heavenly blessings of Christ’s wedding. Rejoice, Saints Adrian and Natalia, all-validated martyrs of Christ and invincible sufferers!
Kontakion 13
About the holy martyrs of Christ, Adrian and Natalia! Hear us fervently praying to you and flowing into your temple, and pray to the merciful Master of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us peace and health of souls and bodies, and to save our souls, so that we may sing to Him: Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)
PRAYER
O sacred duo, holy martyrs of Christ Adrian and Natalia, blessed spouses and good sufferers! Hear us praying to you with tears, and send down upon us all that is good for our souls and bodies, and pray to Christ God to have mercy on us and to deal with us in His mercy, so that we do not perish in our sins. To her, holy martyrs, accept the voice of our prayer and deliver us with your prayers from famine, destruction, cowardice, flood, fire, hail, sword, invasion of foreigners and internecine warfare, from sudden death and from all troubles, sorrows and illnesses that will ever be yours Let us strengthen ourselves through prayers and intercession and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. To Him belongs all glory, honor and worship, together with His Beginning Father and the Most Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
TROPARION
Troparion, tone 4
Thy martyrs, O Lord, in their suffering received incorruptible crowns from Thee, our God, for having Thy strength, I overthrew the tormentors, crushed the demons of weak insolence. Save our souls with those prayers.
Troparion, tone 4
Having placed the Divine words of the God-Wise Woman in your heart, Adrian, the martyr of Christ, you zealously rushed towards torment and received the crown with your wife.
Kontakion, tone 4
The martyr arose Divine memory and the earthly illumination of all ends in light, calling with joy: Thou art the martyrs, O Christ, joy.
CANON
(To the Holy Martyrs Adrian and Natalia)
Troparion, tone 4
Thy martyrs, O Lord, in their sufferings received incorruptible crowns from Thee, our God; having Your strength, you have overthrown the tormentors, crushed the demons of weak insolence. Save our souls with those prayers. ( Twice.
)
Glory, even now, to the Mother of God:
A mystery that has been hidden for centuries and unknown to the Angel, by You, the Mother of God, who has appeared on earth as God, we embody in unfused union, and we will accept the Cross for our sake, having resurrected the primordial One, saving our souls from death.
Canon, voice 6
Song 1
Irmos:
As Israel walked across the dry land, with footsteps across the abyss, seeing the persecutor Pharaoh drowned, we sing a victorious song to God, crying out.
Chorus:
Holy martyrs Adriana and Natalia, pray to God for us.
In the night of my life, obsessed with the fierce sleep of deeds, to the light of repentance, God, raise up Thy martyrs with prayers, Christ, may I glorify Thee.
Holy martyrs Adriana and Natalia, pray to God for us.
The martyr, illuminated by the east of the mental sun, and the day of the former son, strongly consumed all the idol darkness.
Glory:
From the lips that seek out the sweets of the divine mind, having enjoyed, Adrian, you vomited the poison of your former unreason, truly blessed of God.
And now:
Having received Your Creator, as He Himself desired, from Your seedless womb more than the mind was incarnated, Pure One, Thou truly appeared to creatures as the Lady.
Pray to God for us, the holy martyrs Adrian and Natalia, as we diligently resort to you, a quick helper and a prayer book for our souls.
Song 3
Irmos:
There is no one holy like You, O Lord my God, who has lifted up the horn of Your faithful, O Good One, and established us on the rock of Your confession.
Holy martyrs Adriana and Natalia, pray to God for us.
Having escaped the bonds of idolatry's vanity, O martyr, you were bound by the desire of Christ's love, and you, a sufferer, joined His bonds in His joy.
Holy martyrs Adriana and Natalia, pray to God for us.
We crush our shins with iron spells, the passion-bearers of the Lord, we truly crush the bones of patience with wickedness and courage.
Glory:
With the fire of divine love, your spouse inflamed your soul with desire for Christ, carnal love, Natalia, hating her to the end.
And now:
Your Divine Nativity is pure, every order of nature surpasses a miracle; For you conceived God more than naturally in your womb, and having given birth, you remain an Ever-Virgin.
Pray to God for us, the holy martyrs Adrian and Natalia, as we diligently resort to you, a quick helper and a prayer book for our souls.
Lord have mercy.
(
Three times.
)
Sedalen, voice 4
Thou didst extinguish the burning of piety with irrigation, O passion-bearer, by the crushing of thy fortunes thou hast destroyed the idolatrous fortress, thou hast found a spouse to help all the fierce, martyr, militia, with whom thou hast dwelled in the highest Kingdom, O strong-hearted Adrian. Pray to Christ to grant mercy to all who honor you.
Glory, even now, to the Mother of God:
I am overwhelmed by passionate unrest and unscrupulous, O Pure One, I call upon You warmly, so that you do not despise me, the accursed one, and perish, having given birth to an abyss of mercy, unless I am the imam of hope for You. No, the enemy is joy and laughter, trusting in You, I will appear, for you can, as much as you want, as the Mother of God of all.
Song 4
Irmos:
Christ is my strength, God and Lord, the honest Church sings divinely, crying out from a pure meaning, celebrating in the Lord.
Holy martyrs Adriana and Natalia, pray to God for us.
Christ the martyr has gained strength, the weak severity of her persecutors has truly improved and she has received the crowns of victory from Heaven.
Holy martyrs Adriana and Natalia, pray to God for us.
With the pus flowing everywhere around the holy bodies, the ointment was truly brought to God, the putrefaction of delusion cleanses in a powerful manner.
Glory:
With your blood you have stained your incorruption clothes, you have stripped off the clothes of corruption, and now you stand before Christ, Adrian, with glory.
And now:
As truly unknown and incomprehensible even to Your God-bearing, Mother of God, the essence of the Nativity, existing on earth and in heaven, the Ever-Virgin, sacraments.
Pray to God for us, the holy martyrs Adrian and Natalia, as we diligently resort to you, a quick helper and a prayer book for our souls.
Song 5
Irmos:
With Thy God's light, O Blessed One, illumine the souls of Thy morning with love, I pray, Lead Thee, the Word of God, the true God, crying out from the darkness of sin.
Holy martyrs Adriana and Natalia, pray to God for us.
The ten is a purely sufferer with a simple trinity, now praying to Christ, having resolved the state of wickedness, being without serfdom, with the strength of the Trinity, valiant.
Holy martyrs Adriana and Natalia, pray to God for us.
Like the sun, standing in the midst of the bright stars, Adrian, you illuminated those who suffer with you with the light of piety, driving away the darkness of wickedness, and enlightening the ends of the world.
Glory:
Dew, the verb of your honest healing of illnesses, will truly come to your spouse, having tasted the best love, God-wise Natalia, martyrs to your cohabitant.
And now:
Theotokos Thee from the soul, good Lady of the world, save those who confess: Thee is the invincible intercession of the imams, the true Mother of God.
Pray to God for us, the holy martyrs Adrian and Natalia, as we diligently resort to you, a quick helper and a prayer book for our souls.
Song 6
Irmos:
The sea of life, raised in vain by misfortunes and storms, flowed to Your quiet refuge, crying out to You: lift up my belly from aphids, O Most Merciful One.
Holy martyrs Adriana and Natalia, pray to God for us.
Let us piously nourish the hand of Christ, transcend the abyss of godlessness and rush to the quiet haven of the highest lordship, sufferers of the Lord.
Holy martyrs Adriana and Natalia, pray to God for us.
Like blossoming, your deeds are fragrant, wiser, even more than the nature of victory, for you appeared to God, Adrian, a fragrant censer, we are scorched by the fire of torment.
Glory:
Your holy soul is adorned with the kindness of faith, all-honorable, and, seeking kindness as truly immeasurable in Christ, Natalia, do not sin in your desires.
And now:
All-pure Lady, who gave birth to man as the helmsman of the Lord, quench my fickle and fierce passions, confusion and silence to my heart.
Pray to God for us, the holy martyrs Adrian and Natalia, as we diligently resort to you, a quick helper and a prayer book for our souls.
Lord have mercy.
(
Thrice.
)
Glory, even now.
Kontakion, tone 4
The martyr arose the divine memory and the earthly illumination of all ends of light, with joy calling: You are the martyrs, Christ, joy.
Ikos
On the Tree of the Cross, the flesh of the nailed Christ the King, having valiantly desired, the warriors, zealously endured fierce illnesses and terrible torments, trampled upon all idolatry wickedness, and overthrew the lawless resistance, ten aggravated and trinity martyr. Moreover, Adrian and Natalia, the red husband, see them, are jealous of them and, rejoicing, cry out: You are the martyrs, Christ, joy.
Song 7
Irmos:
The angel made the venerable cave into the venerable youth, and the Chaldeans, the scorching command of God, exhorted the tormentor to cry out: Blessed art thou, O God of our fathers.
Holy martyrs Adriana and Natalia, pray to God for us.
Invincible as the pillars of the martyr Zion on High have appeared, having overthrown the affirmations of all the enemy through the patience of your suffering. Moreover, we piously honor your memory forever.
Holy martyrs Adriana and Natalia, pray to God for us.
Adrian’s assistant, Natalia, seems to have been gifted with one accord from God, consuming this in the depths of delusion, and crying out with assurance: blessed is God our father.
Glory:
Like a treasure of great value, having hidden the hand of the martyr, you did not betray the chastity of your treasure to steal it with the zealous, honest one, nourished by the hand of the fathers of God.
And now:
In the sacred place, the prophets proclaimed, O Pure One, the mystery of Thy honorable Nativity, and now we, looking at the events from afar, piously please Thee.
Pray to God for us, the holy martyrs Adrian and Natalia, as we diligently resort to you, a quick helper and a prayer book for our souls.
Song 8
Irmos:
You poured out dew from the flames of the saints and burned the righteous sacrifice with water, for you did everything, Christ, only as you wished. We extol You forever.
Holy martyrs Adriana and Natalia, pray to God for us.
By the fire of torment we burnt all the flames of wickedness, extinguish all the flames with your blood, sufferers, calling: We exalt Thee, O Christ, unto all ages.
Holy martyrs Adriana and Natalia, pray to God for us.
Wonderful women, who would not be surprised at the love that exists for God? Because you hate the desire of the flesh and assure your spouse of the honor and glory of Christ forever and ever.
Glory:
Having confounded the godless with vanity and having desired the beauty of Christ, you were a pillar of faithful piety, O martyr, the all-blessed passion-bearer of Adrian.
And now:
From the Light of the Light-Giver of the Word you conceived, and having given birth to the indescribably Transubstantial, the Spirit entered into You, the Virgin, of God. In the same way we sing Thee, O Pure One, forever.
Pray to God for us, the holy martyrs Adrian and Natalia, as we diligently resort to you, a quick helper and a prayer book for our souls.
Song 9
Irmos:
It is impossible for a person to see God; they do not dare to look at an unworthy angel; By you, O All-Pure One, the Word became incarnate as a man. With His majesty, we please You with the heavenly howls.
Holy martyrs Adriana and Natalia, pray to God for us.
Contrition, fierce punishment, neither the sword, nor the fire, nor the death of the corruptible flesh of Christ, love can separate you, glorious sufferers, in any way. In the same way, rejoice with Him forever.
Holy martyrs Adriana and Natalia, pray to God for us.
God-bright candles, shining stars, lamps, illuminating the light of piety for us, suns of glory of radiance, children of eternal bliss, martyrs of Christ appeared in all honor.
Glory:
A source, full of spiritual waters, and a river of divine gifts, and a cup of suffering shedding currents, the abyss of salvation, the martyr, appeared, the storms of various misfortunes, delivering us.
And now:
The rise of the dead has now been granted by Your unspeakable and ineffable Nativity, O all-pure Mother of God: For life is from You, surrounded by flesh, risen to all and destroyed mortal decrepitude.
Pray to God for us, the holy martyrs Adrian and Natalia, as we diligently resort to you, a quick helper and a prayer book for our souls.
