Saints Cosmas and Damian

Today, the Church honors Sts. Cosmas and Damian, renowned twin brothers, skilled physicians, and martyrs who have been widely venerated since their martyrdom. Believed to have been born in Cyrrhus, in what is now modern-day Syria, the twins later relocated to the Gulf of Iskenderun in Cilicia, situated in present-day Turkey, during the mid to late third century. They were raised in a Christian family, and both pursued careers in medicine.

In an effort to spread Christianity in their predominantly pagan community, Cosmas and Damian adopted a remarkable approach – they provided their medical services free of charge. This selfless act earned them the epithet "Anargyroi," meaning "without silver." Their unconventional practice drew the attention of their fellow citizens and played a pivotal role in converting many to Christianity. Legends surrounding them suggest that they were accomplished physicians and achieved remarkable healings, often attributed to their prayers. One enduring legend even credits them with pioneering the first leg transplant, a theme frequently depicted in artistic representations.

The year 284 marked the ascension of Diocletian as the Roman emperor, ushering in a series of reforms within the empire. However, in 303, he initiated a series of edicts that led to a widespread persecution of Christians and resulted in the deaths of many. During this tumultuous period, the Roman Prefect Lysias of Cilicia apprehended the twin brothers, Cosmas and Damian. As was customary, they were given the opportunity to renounce their Christian faith publicly and pay homage to the Roman gods to spare their lives. Unwavering in their convictions, they adamantly refused, ultimately facing a sentence of death. Numerous attempts were made to execute them through drowning, fire, arrows, and stoning, yet each endeavor proved futile. Ultimately, Cosmas and Damian, along with three of their siblings, embraced martyrdom through beheading.

It is believed that Cosmas and Damian were buried in the city of Cyrrhus, their possible birthplace, and from that moment onward, they began to be venerated widely. Countless miraculous healings have been attributed to their intercession. Within a century of their martyrdom, churches were erected in their honor in significant Christian locations, including Jerusalem, Egypt, and Mesopotamia.

In the sixth century, Roman Emperor Justinian I paid homage to these esteemed saints by restoring the city where they were laid to rest. In a remarkable turn of events, the emperor himself experienced a miraculous cure attributed to their intercession. In gratitude, he transported their relics to Constantinople, where he constructed a church in their honor that soon became a prominent pilgrimage site. In this Church, a tradition emerged wherein the faithful would spend the night at their tomb in prayer, seeking miraculous relief from their afflictions. Over the centuries, numerous accounts of miracles have been reported. Pope Symmachus incorporated the names of Cosmas and Damian into the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I), and  Pope Felix IV repurposed a fourth-century pagan temple in Rome within the Forum of Peace, renaming it the Basilica Santi Cosma e Damiano.

Sts. Cosmas and Damian, you sought to share your faith in Christ through your selfless and free service to all who needed your medical care. Obtain for us the grace to follow your example of selfless service to others and the courage to be a witness to Christ, no matter the cost. 

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Most High Servant,

Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love 

(Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)