Cosmas and Damian (Martyrs)

Saints Cosmas and Damian were brothers, likely twins, and physicians of the 3rd century, said to be natives of Arabia by their Passion and of Cilicia by other traditions. Devout Christians, they practiced medicine without charge, earning them the nickname 'Anargyroi', or 'the moneyless ones'. Their healing ministry extended not only to bodies but also to souls, as they shared their faith with those they treated. During the Diocletianic Persecution, they were arrested for their Christian faith by order of Governor Lysias. They endured various brutal tortures, including scourging, drowning, and burning, but miraculously survived each ordeal. Finally, they were beheaded around 303 AD at Aegeae in Cilicia; their remains were afterwards laid to rest near Cyrrhus in Syria. Their relics are venerated in several places, and a major basilica is dedicated to them in Rome.