Orthodox Icon of Ss. Cosmas & Damian

Holy Unmercenaries Cosmas & Damian

July 1st Troparion (Tone 8)
O Holy and unmercenary wonderworkers, visit our infirmities. Freely you have received, freely give to us.

These holy brothers, Ss. Cosmas and Damian of Rome, were born in the third century of Christian parents that raised them in piety and chastity. Ss. Cosmas and Damian were physicians that were given the gift of healing. They are called unmercenaries, because they refused payment. The brothers told those seeking healing from them: "It is not by our own power that we treat you, but by the power of Christ, the true God. Believe in Him and be healed." Through their faith and the power of healing, they brought many to the Faith rousing the anger of the Roman authorities. The local Christians convinced them to hide, but they surrendered themselves when they heard of other Christians being imprisoned in their place. They were imprisoned and put on trial in front of Emperor Carinus, being accused of sorcery. They professed their faith in Jesus Christ. The emperor Carinus was then struck blind and pleaded with the Saints to heal him and promised to release them and to repent and join the Faithful. Ss. Cosmas and Damian did so and the emperor did as he promised. Seeing this and the fame that the brothers found from the miracles that occurred through them, their former teacher became filled with envy. He invited them into the wilderness to collect healing herbs. Ss. Cosmas and Damian, trusting their teacher went suspecting nothing, only to be murdered and thrown into the river. Many are still healed through their intercessions.

This icon is Russian from the 14th or 15th century.

Another group of Unmercenary Healers: Ss. Hermolaus & Panteleimon

Order #pdr-25