Commemorated on November 1
Damian and Cosmas were two brothers raised in an area of Asia Minor. (modern day Turkey) Their father was a pagan while their mother, Saint Theodota who we also honor today, was a Christian. After their father died at an early age, their mother raised them with a deep devotion to the faith.
She would read to them holy works and did what she could to give her boys a life of purity. When they matured, they had grown into two kind and gentle men who were devoted to serving Christ. Due to raising her children well and to be men of Christ, we honor Theodota.
Cosmas and Damian studied many fields and were both highly educated. Due to their love for helping the sickly, they were trained as doctors. Through the grace of the Holy Spirit, they were gifted with the works of healing sickness of both the soul and body. These brothers, graced with the gifts of God, were the first to ever perform a successful leg transplant. a This was granted to them through prayer and a life given unto God. They never received any payment for their work and would treat all who were in need. Thier miracles became known and throughout many regions they were granted the title “the Unmercenary Physicians.” They had even been known to treat and heal several animals as well.
There was one women whose named Palladia and she was bedridden. Being grievously ill, no doctor would see her as she was a hopeless case. When Damian and Cosmas came upon her they prayed with great passion and faith to God, knowing that he could cure her. From God’s grace, Palladia was healed and rejoiced giving thanks to God for his mercy on her. She was wanted to show her appreciation to the brother, but the two brothers told her that they did not take any form of payment and left.
Another day, Palladia visited their home where Damian was alone, and said to him, “Oh Holy man of God, why do you make me sad and not take anything from me? Please accept these three eggs as a token of my gratitude, in the name of The Father Son and Holy Spirit.”
When Damian heard her say the names of the Holy Trinity, he felt inclined to take the eggs, not as payment but in honor of the holiness of the Trinity.
When Cosmas came home and saw the three eggs, he asked Damian where he got them. Damian explained the story Cosmas became sad, as he thought his brother in secret broke their commitment. Cosmas took the three eggs and left them outside, reminding Damian that they did not take payment and only brought all glory to God. From where Cosmas left the eggs, a spring gushed forth with holy water.
Where Cosmas left the three eggs, and the water gushed from the earth is still there to this day and people go to visit this holy water to receive a healing. There is also a monastery surrounding this spot.
Soon after this occurred, Cosmas became ill and he was on his deathbed. After his repose, Cosmas was buried in a village of Mesopotamia. Damian too became ill and died shortly after Cosmas and he was then buried Damian next to his brother.
Their holy relics were transferred to two separate monasteries on Mount Athos; Dionysiou and Pantokrator.
Many miracles occurred from their relics and the brothers had been seen in vision to those in need. Those who pray to them with a true heart and pure faith feel close to the saints immediately and feel their grace come upon them.
They are known as the patron saints of the holiness of Christian marriage as well as aids to those imprisoned.
Troparion & Kontakion
Troparion — Tone 8
Holy unmercenaries and wonderworkers, Cosmas and Damian, / heal our infirmities. / Freely you have received; freely you give to us.
Kontakion — Tone 2
Having received the grace of healing, / you grant healing to those in need. / Glorious wonder workers and healers, Cosmas and Damian, / visit us and put down the insolence of our enemies, / and bring healing to the world through your miracles.