Cosmas and Damian (Martyrs)

Saints Cosmas and Damian were brothers, likely twins, and physicians who lived in Cilicia (modern-day Turkey) in the 3rd century. 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 in Cyrrhus, Syria. Their relics are venerated in several places, and a major basilica is dedicated to them in Rome.