Adrian of Caesarea

Holy Martyr Adrian of Caesarea in Palestine (also called Adrian of Batanea) died in the year 308 (according to one source, 309) and suffered at Caesarea in Palestine together with Saint Eubulus. His commemoration is on 5 March, and that of Eubulus on 7 March; according to the Ukrainian source, the Orthodox Church honours Adrian on 3 February.

Adrian came from Batanea to Caesarea in Palestine together with Eubulus, to visit and minister to the Christian community there, and to visit other confessors. On arrival, at the gates, they were asked why they had come and told the truth, for which they were at once imprisoned by the guards, under orders of Governor Firmilian, who had them tortured. On 5 March Adrian was thrown to a lion in the amphitheatre. The lion mauled but did not kill him, so Adrian was then killed with a sword. Two days later, the judge who condemned Eubulus to the same fate offered him freedom if he would sacrifice to idols. Eubulus refused and was martyred, meeting the same end.

They were the last of the many martyrs killed in the twelve years of persecution at Caesarea. On icons, Adrian of Palestine is shown as a man of Armenian type, very strong, since he fought the lion, with a beard of medium size, in a tunic below the knees, belted, wearing over it a short cloak, and on his head a cap.