Adrian and Eubulus

Saints Adrian and Eubulus were two Christians who received the crown of martyrdom in the year 308 at Caesarea in Palestine, during the persecution of Diocletian. They are honoured by both the Orthodox and the Catholic Church.

Adrian, a native of Batanea, set out together with Eubulus to visit and help the Christian community of Caesarea on the coast. When they reached the city gates they were asked the purpose of their visit and told the truth. For this they were at once seized and thrown into prison by the guards, according to the orders of the harsh Roman governor Firmilian, who then also tortured them. Another source says that they came to Caesarea to visit and comfort the Christians held in prison.

On 5 March 308 Adrian was thrown to a lion in the amphitheatre at Caesarea. The lion wounded him but did not kill him, so Adrian was then quickly put to death by the sword. Two days later the judge condemned Eubulus to the same fate, but offered him the chance to go free if he would sacrifice to a single idol. Eubulus refused and was martyred the same day.

Adrian and Eubulus were the last in time of the many martyrs put to death in the twelve years of persecution at Caesarea of Palestine. The sources disagree about the place and the year: one Serbian source speaks of Caesarea in Cappadocia and the year 309, while the others speak of Caesarea of Palestine and the year 308. The Catholic Church commemorates them on the days of their deaths, Adrian on 5 March and Eubulus on 7 March, and the Orthodox Church on 3 February (16 February on the new calendar, according to the Serbian source).