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St. Adrian of Nicomedia, also known as Hadrian of Nicomedia was an Herculian guard for the Roman emperor Galerius Maximian during the fourth century. While persecuting the Christians, St. Adrian questioned them about why they withstood the pain and suffering and what they expected in the afterlife. The Christians replied, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." (I Corinthians 2:9).
St. Adrian of Nicomedia Martyred
Saint Adrian of Nicomedia marveled over the Christian's words of faith and the courage the Christians displayed. Their willingness to die for the sake of Jesus Christ humbled and impressed St. Adrian of Nicomedia that he immediately converted to Christianity himself, refusing to persecute the Christians anymore, saying, "Write my name down also, for I am a Christian and I die gladly for Christ God". After his conversion, St. Adrian of Nicodemia was brought to the imperial court and tortured. His limbs were severed one by one on an anvil and then he was beheaded on March 4, 304.. The body of Saint Adrian of Nicomedia was then set on fire but a rainstorm put out the flames and some of the guards were struck by lightning. St. Adrian's wife, Saint Natalia, took one of his hands with her to Argyropolis. Saint Adrian of Nicomedia's hand is now a relic in Grammont, Belgium.
St. Adrian of Nicomedia Patron Saint
Saint Adrian of Nicomedia is the patron saint of:
- Plague
- Weapons dealers
- Butchers
- Prison guards
- Soldiers
- Epilepsy
St. Adrian of Nicomedia Feast Day
The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of St. Adrian of Nicomedia, on September 8 and the Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast day of Saint Adrian on March 4, as well as August 26. Saint Adrian of Nicomedia is especially honored in Flanders, Germany and Northern France. St. Adrian of Nicomedia medallions and statues usually feature the saint with weapons in his hands and an anvil near his feet.
Saint Adrian of Nicomedia Jewelry
Many Catholics wear a St. Adrian of Nicomedia medal or a St. Adrian of Nicomedia necklace all year round to help prevent against sickness. Christians who suffer from epilepsy also wear a Saint Adrian of Nicomedia pendant as protection against epileptic seizures. Parents often have their children wear a St. Adrian of Nicomedia medal to protect them from illnesses.
