St. Adrian of Nicomedia

Adrian is thought to have been a pagan officer in the fourth century imperial court of Nicomedia. He converted to Christianity when he witnessed the courage of some Christians undergoing torture; he declared himself a Christian as well and was immediately arrested and tortured before being executed along with the group of martyrs who had inspired him. His wife Natalia, who was a secret Christian, was allowed to comfort him and after his death, she fled from an officer who proposed marriage to her. Natalia took refuge at Argyropolis (near Constantinople), bringing some of Adrian’s relics with her. She is also venerated as a saint. St. Adrian is known as the patron of butchers and soldiers; his feast day is September 8.