Martyr
Martyr Adrian of Nicomedia
†нач. IV века (при имп. Максимиане)
Martyr Adrian of Nicomedia — a young Roman official recording the testimony of 23 Christians tortured under Emperor Maximian, so struck by their steadfastness that he declared himself a Christian too; he suffered martyrdom (having his limbs broken on an anvil) together with them; husband of the Martyr Natalia, who supported him in prison and at his execution.
The Martyr Adrian was a young pagan in the service of Emperor Maximian at Nicomedia, holding the post of scribe, tasked with recording the testimony and tortures of 23 arrested Christians who had refused to sacrifice to idols. Watching the unshaken steadfastness of the martyrs in the face of the most severe torments, Adrian asked them what reward they expected from God for such suffering, and upon hearing the answer — eternal life — suddenly declared to the scribes: "Write me down with them, for I too am a Christian." For this he was imprisoned together with the confessors. His wife Natalia, a secret Christian, upon learning what had happened, not only did not dissuade her husband but strengthened his resolve, calling him blessed, and herself tended to the prisoners. According to tradition, during the execution she helped the executioners position his arms and legs on the anvil, so that the blows would not miss their mark and the torment would not be prolonged unnecessarily. Adrian and his companions were put to death by having their bones broken on an anvil. St. Natalia later translated his relics to Constantinople, where she soon died peacefully.
NOTE: the original Feb 26 date is not confirmed by any source and appears to be contamination — removed, leaving only the confirmed dates of Aug 26/Sep 8.