Episode 1676: St Natalia of Nicomedia

Saint Natalia of Nicomedia was a Christian martyr who lived in Nicomedia, Asia Minor (modern-day Izmit, Turkey) during the 4th century. She was the wife of Saint Adrian of Nicomedia, a Roman official who converted to Christianity after witnessing the courage of Christians under torture. Natalia soon followed him in faith.
When Adrian was arrested for his Christian beliefs, Natalia disguised herself as a boy and entered the prison to minister to him. She was eventually discovered and imprisoned herself, but she remained steadfast in her faith. Both Adrian and Natalia were martyred in 304 AD.
Saint Natalia is venerated as a martyr in the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Coptic Orthodox Church. Her feast day is December 1st.
Early Life
Natalia was born into a wealthy family in Nicomedia. She was a beautiful and intelligent woman, and she was married to a high-ranking Roman official named Adrian.
Conversion to Christianity
Adrian was a pagan, but he was impressed by the courage of Christians who were being persecuted for their faith. He began to study Christianity, and he eventually converted to the faith. Natalia was also impressed by the Christians she met, and she soon followed Adrian in converting to Christianity.
Imprisonment and Martyrdom
When Adrian's superiors found out that he was a Christian, they arrested him. Natalia disguised herself as a boy and entered the prison to minister to him. She was eventually discovered and imprisoned herself. Both Adrian and Natalia were tortured, but they refused to renounce their faith. They were eventually beheaded in 304 AD.
Legacy
Saint Natalia is venerated as a martyr in the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Coptic Orthodox Church. Her feast day is December 1st. She is a patron saint of prisoners and martyrs.