The Holy Martyrs Adrian and Natalia

După obișnuitul început, se zic:

KONDAKIA and OIKOI:

Kontakion 1

Chosen servants of God and most-praised martyrs of Christ, for love of Him you despised worldly vanity, offering your life as a pure sacrifice, desiring rather to receive torments than to deny the true God; with love we praise you, holy Adrian and Natalia. Therefore, as you stand before the throne of grace of the Lord, rejoicing, pray for those who with faith and reverence implore you, and with thanksgiving we sing to you thus: Rejoice, holy Adrian and Natalia, most-praised and unconquered martyrs of Christ.

Oikos 1

With angelic love you prayed unceasingly to the Saviour, O most blessed Natalia, that He might enlighten the darkened mind of your husband and turn it to the knowledge of your Creator and Master, until your prayers were heard; grace touched the heart of Adrian, who believed and, full of courage, endured torments and even death. Admiring your zeal and love for Christ, with reverence we sing to you thus:

• Rejoice, lights of Divine love.
• Rejoice, pillars unshaken by pagan evils.
• Rejoice, for you bore the cross uprightly and with patience.
• Rejoice, for with this you conquered the demon and his wiles.
• Rejoice, for by the Lord you were crowned.
• Rejoice, for at the heavenly throne you pray for us.
• Rejoice, holy Adrian and Natalia, most-praised and unconquered martyrs of Christ.

Kontakion 2

Seeing the purity of your heart, O most honourable Adrian, although it was overshadowed by polytheism, yet ready to receive the Truth, He called you to His Light, opening for you the doors of His kingdom, through the prayers of your wife; together with her you sang to God a song of praise: Alleluia.

Oikos 2

The understanding of true knowledge of God filled your soul, O Adrian, when, as a notary, you wrote the names of the holy martyrs condemned to torments and death for the name of the Lord; when you asked the servants of Christ what reward they would receive from the Lord in His kingdom for their martyrdom, they answered that tongue cannot tell nor mind conceive what God has prepared for those who love Him. Immediately you left the pagan religion and cried out with all your heart: "I too am a Christian!" Praising your return to the Sun of Righteousness, we pray you, together with your wife, holy Natalia, receive from us sinners these praises:

• Rejoice, holy servants of the true God.
• Rejoice, good fulfillers of His holy will.
• Rejoice, for instead of beauty you loved Christ.
• Rejoice, for you offered Him your conjugal love.
• Rejoice, for you tell us not to cling to things below but to those above.
• Rejoice, for you help us unspeakably to ascend in weaknesses.
• Rejoice, holy Adrian and Natalia, most-praised and unconquered martyrs of Christ.

Kontakion 3

Strengthened with power from on high, you went, O blessed one, to struggles and torments, desiring to die for the Lord and your Saviour. Your wife Natalia, with prayers and exhortations, helped you to lift the cross appointed by the Lord and to receive the crown of incorruption prepared for you in heaven, and with boldness to sing to God: Alleluia.

Oikos 3

Having to present yourself at the lawless judgment of Maximian, you were imprisoned, where with the other martyrs you spent the whole night in prayers, hymns and spiritual counsels. Your wife, despising natural love and womanly weakness, in every way persuaded you not to abandon faith in Christ, but to remain until the end an unshaken confessor of the Lord's name, fearing not death. Therefore, as true soldiers of Christ, with spiritual joy we sing to you:

• Rejoice, courageous zealots of the true faith.
• Rejoice, fearless rebukers of vain beliefs.
• Rejoice, for with patience as with a weapon you clothed yourselves.
• Rejoice, for you took the Cross as a mighty shield in your hands.
• Rejoice, for the tormentors marvelled at your courage.
• Rejoice, for through you the name of the Lord is blessed.
• Rejoice, holy Adrian and Natalia, most-praised and unconquered martyrs of Christ.

Kontakion 4

The storm of doubt and fear you drove from your heart, O glorious Adrian, and to the martyr's struggle you were strengthened by your blessed wife Natalia, who all night spoke of the future reward that God has prepared for those who lay down their lives for Him, saying to you thus: "Blessed are you, my lord, for you have found the priceless treasure, the most precious pearl – Christ the Lord!" Turn not back again to the darkness of idolatry, but remain faithful to Him who loved you, singing to Him from all your heart: Alleluia.

Oikos 4

Hearing, O Natalia, while at home, that you had returned from prison and thinking that you had been frightened by the torments and had denied Christ, she wept bitterly and, meeting you at the door of the house, rebuked you for having denied the faith. But you, rejoicing in spirit and being strengthened yet more in suffering, with tears told her that not only had you not denied Christ, but you wished even more to suffer for His holy name. Marvelling at such exalted Christian love, with humility we sing to you:

• Rejoice, for you showed us the pattern of true Christian companionship.
• Rejoice, for you bore heavenly love in your hearts.
• Rejoice, for with self-denial you inspire us.
• Rejoice, for you entreat us to see the will of God in all things.
• Rejoice, for you taught us to forsake the transient things below.
• Rejoice, for you counsel us to meditate on the future things above.
• Rejoice, holy Adrian and Natalia, most-praised and unconquered martyrs of Christ.

Kontakion 5

Wonderful mercy and love you showed, O Natalia, when together with your husband you fell at the feet of those imprisoned for the name of Christ, and anointing and kissing their holy wounds, bringing them comfort and relief, with humble heart raising to God angelic song: Alleluia.

Oikos 5

Seeing the holy prisoners together with you, that they were so tortured that they could no longer suffer other and more dreadful torments, the tormentor commanded that you, O Adrian, be brought to judgment and be advised to deny Christ, or if not, to be subjected to even heavier torments; but being strengthened with power from on high and comforted by your blessed wife, you remained steadfast against the temptations of the enemy. Therefore for your suffering for Christ, we bless you together with holy Natalia and with joy sing to you:

• Rejoice, victors, servants of the Most High.
• Rejoice, mighty confessors of faith in Christ.
• Rejoice, bold rebukers of idolatrous error.
• Rejoice, fearless preachers of Divine glory.
• Rejoice, for you were not terrified by the anger of Maximian.
• Rejoice, for you despised his malice and cruelty.
• Rejoice, holy Adrian and Natalia, most-praised and unconquered martyrs of Christ.

Kontakion 6

A preacher and orator you showed yourself, O Adrian, before the imperial judgment, confessing that Christ is true God, who made heaven and earth, and you despised the devil's error; and for this confession and contempt you suffered terrible beatings and torments, singing to the All-Victorious One: Alleluia.

Oikos 6

The light of heavenly glory shone upon your face, O wise sufferer, when, being beaten in barbarous manner upon your belly so that your entrails flowed out, you did not cease to glorify Christ before the people and to confess His name. And blessed Natalia, seeing your patience and courage, prayed that your soul might not weaken, but that you might remain until the end a faithful servant of Christ. To both of you we sing thus:

• Rejoice, for you were holy dwellings of the Holy Spirit.
• Rejoice, glorious vessels of the Grace of Christ.
• Rejoice, for the Divine Light penetrated your soul and body.
• Rejoice, for Christ the King gave you divine wisdom.
• Rejoice, for you were strengthened by the power of His Divinity.
• Rejoice, for without fear you accepted to be tortured.
• Rejoice, holy Adrian and Natalia, most-praised and unconquered martyrs of Christ.

Kontakion 7

Wishing to summon you again to judgment, the persecuting emperor, O blessed Adrian, imprisoned you with the other martyrs, where Natalia came and, blessing you, strengthened you saying: "Blessed are you, my lord, for you have been vouchsafed the state of the holy martyrs of Christ," and rejoicing with her you sang to God: Alleluia.

Oikos 7

A new torture the tormentor devised, commanding the soldiers to forbid the entry of women to the prisoners, who came to comfort them and ease their torments. Then also to you, O blessed Natalia, it was forbidden to visit and serve your husband; but despising the imperial command, dressed in men's clothing, you came to the prison as before and strengthened your husband to go manfully to torments and death for Christ the Lord. For this we worthily praise you, singing to you these things:

• Rejoice, bright adornment of the servants of Christ.
• Rejoice, chosen beauty of His confessors.
• Rejoice, for you showed us the narrow path on which you set out.
• Rejoice, for on it you reached the quiet haven.
• Rejoice, for now you are in glory and eternal bliss.
• Rejoice, for by your prayers you defend us from misfortunes.
• Rejoice, holy Adrian and Natalia, most-praised and unconquered martyrs of Christ.

Kontakion 8

A strange and terrible sight was in the prison where you were imprisoned with the others, O Adrian, when by the command of the tyrant tormentor they wished to crush the shinbones of your legs. Then your wife lifted your feet and placed them on the anvil, to be crushed by the hands of the tormentors, that you might the sooner be united with the Lord and your Saviour, to whom you will sing: Alleluia.

Oikos 8

Burning with love for Christ, O martyr Adrian, you endured until your blessed falling asleep, when your pure soul was united with the Lord, for whom you suffered so much that even your hand was cut off. Honouring with faith your martyric end, to you and holy Natalia we sing these things:

• Rejoice, for you endured soul-torments for Christ.
• Rejoice, for on the wings of love you flew towards God.
• Rejoice, for like eagles you rose towards the Sun of Righteousness.
• Rejoice, for from the vale of weeping you ascended to the Light.
• Rejoice, for through torments you entered the company of the martyrs.
• Rejoice, for with all the saints you sang hymns to God.
• Rejoice, holy Adrian and Natalia, most-praised and unconquered martyrs of Christ.

Kontakion 9

All the pride of the tormentor tyrant was put to shame when a mighty rain extinguished the flame of the fire and did not allow the bones of the martyrs of Christ to burn, but also flooded the city with water, and terrified the unbelieving people with thunder and lightning; and blessed Natalia, full of joy, sang to Christ, who orders all things: Alleluia.

Oikos 9

Rhetoric of earth is not able to praise sufficiently your struggles, O holy martyrs Adrian and Natalia; for the one, leaving earthly glory, laid down his soul for faith in Christ, and the other, overcoming natural weakness, manfully struggled, strengthening her husband in his torments and rejoicing in his blessed end. Not knowing how worthily to value your good deeds, with love we sing to you these things:

• Rejoice, for you bore the Cross of the Lord on your shoulders full of courage.
• Rejoice, for the weight of the Cross overcame neither of you.
• Rejoice, for you yourselves imitated the passions of the Lord.
• Rejoice, for you willingly crucified passions and desires.
• Rejoice, for you showed an example of love and meekness.
• Rejoice, for you taught us to bear one another's burdens.
• Rejoice, holy Adrian and Natalia, most-praised and unconquered martyrs of Christ.

Kontakion 10

Wishing to deliver the bodies of the holy martyrs from mockery and contempt, a certain pious man with his wife came to Natalia and the other Christian brethren and begged them to give them the holy relics to take to Byzantium, until the persecution of the pagan Maximian would pass. The Christians of the city of Nicomedia listened to their request and entrusted to them this treasure of great price, singing to God: Alleluia.

Oikos 10

As with a wall we are surrounded by your prayers, O holy Adrian and Natalia, for in every calamity and misfortune you always help us, all the more when with love we celebrate your memory, glorifying, because of you, Christ our God. Being guarded by your holy prayers, we praise you with these things:

• Rejoice, for in love you are our speedy helpers.
• Rejoice, our good intercessors and teachers.
• Rejoice, for you ever pray for us to God.
• Rejoice, for you teach us to live in a way pleasing to God.
• Rejoice, forbearing friends, who in need give us an example.
• Rejoice, for you raise us to the heights of innocence and purity.
• Rejoice, holy Adrian and Natalia, most-praised and unconquered martyrs of Christ.

Kontakion 11

Song to God from all your heart you offered, O blessed Natalia, when you were delivered from the hand of the tribune who wished to take you in marriage. You, as a faithful wife to your husband – the martyr of Christ Adrian, did not wish to remarry, but, praying, you went by ship to Byzantium, where the body of your holy husband was taken. Arriving in that city, you sang with love to God: Alleluia.

Oikos 11

A luminous beacon became the ship with which you travelled on the sea, having as a precious pearl – the hand of your husband, by whose prayers you escaped the pursuit of the tribune and arrived safely at Byzantium; and with soul full of joy, kissing the body of your blessed lord, with deep compunction you gave up your spirit into the hands of the Lord. Glorifying your departure to the Lord, together with holy Adrian, we sing to you these things:

• Rejoice, blessed spouses, undivided in life and death.
• Rejoice, friends of the Lord, who glorify Him near His throne.
• Rejoice, for you ever delight in the vision of His face.
• Rejoice, for you receive eternal bliss forever.
• Rejoice, for you find rest in the dwelling-place of the righteous.
• Rejoice, for you leave us your holy relics for healing.
• Rejoice, holy Adrian and Natalia, most-praised and unconquered martyrs of Christ.

Kontakion 12

Vessels full of grace your honoured relics have shown themselves, given to us by Christ the Lord; honouring them, by your prayers, O holy martyrs of Christ, we obtain remission of sins, singing from all our heart to God: Alleluia.

Oikos 12

Singing your honoured passions and blessed falling asleep, through which you ascended to the things above with all the saints who from ages have pleased God, we praise you, O most-glorious martyrs of Christ, Adrian and Natalia, and earnestly pray you to remember us unceasingly at the throne of glory, who bless you thus:

• Rejoice, patient soldiers of torments and victors.
• Rejoice, chosen fighters for the true faith.
• Rejoice, kindled lamps of Christian virtue.
• Rejoice, burning coals of Divine love.
• Rejoice, couple that strengthen the bonds of marriage.
• Rejoice, for you were crowned with heavenly blessings.
• Rejoice, holy Adrian and Natalia, most-praised and unconquered martyrs of Christ.

Kontakion 13

O holy martyrs of Christ, Adrian and Natalia, blessed spouses and glorious passion-bearers! Hear us who pray with tears, coming to church; entreat the merciful Master, our Lord Jesus Christ, to grant us all: peace in family, bodily and spiritual health, salvation of soul, that always we may sing to Him: Alleluia. (This kontakion is said three times)

Then again is said the first Oikos

With angelic love you prayed unceasingly to the Saviour, O most blessed Natalia, that He might enlighten the darkened mind of your husband and turn it to the knowledge of your Creator and Master, until your prayers were heard; grace touched the heart of Adrian, who believed and, full of courage, endured torments and even death. Admiring your zeal and love for Christ, with reverence we sing to you thus:

• Rejoice, lights of Divine love.
• Rejoice, pillars unshaken by pagan evils.
• Rejoice, for you bore the cross uprightly and with patience.
• Rejoice, for with this you conquered the demon and his wiles.
• Rejoice, for by the Lord you were crowned.
• Rejoice, for at the heavenly throne you pray for us.
• Rejoice, holy Adrian and Natalia, most-praised and unconquered martyrs of Christ.

And the first Kontakion Chosen servants of God and most-praised martyrs of Christ, for love of Him you despised worldly vanity, offering your life as a pure sacrifice, desiring rather to receive torments than to deny the true God; with love we praise you, holy Adrian and Natalia. Therefore, as you stand before the throne of grace of the Lord, rejoicing, pray for those who with faith and reverence implore you, and with thanksgiving we sing to you thus: Rejoice, holy Adrian and Natalia, most-praised and unconquered martyrs of Christ.

After this is said this:

PRAYER

O holy Couple, holy martyrs of Christ, Adrian and Natalia, blessed spouses and glorious passion-bearers! Hear us who pray and intercede for us, that all things profitable for bodies and souls may be granted us, and pray Christ God to have mercy on us and do with us according to His compassions, that we perish not in our sins. Thus, O holy martyrs, receive the voice of our prayers and by your intercessions deliver us from famine, pestilence, earthquake, flood, fire and hail, from sword and invasion of aliens, from civil war, from sudden death and from all calamities, afflictions and pains; that always being strengthened by your intercessions, we may glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, to whom is due all glory, honour and worship, with His Eternal Father and the All-Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.