After hearing the names of these holy men in the Roman Cannon (or Eucharistic Prayer I) for years, I finally learned their story. Like all stories of the saints, it's fascinating, inspiring, and remarkable. Like many, it features elements of legend and historical detail. Who were these saintly brothers, and what can they offer us today?
Brothers & Healers
Cosmas and Damian were two brothers living in Saudi Arabia during the reign of Diocletian (284-305 AD) and the persecution of the early Christians. They studied medicine in Syria and practiced it together. One may have been a pharmacist and the other a doctor, according to accounts in the early Church.
They were supernaturally skilled, and developed an outstanding reputation for the use of their gifts. Practicing medicine free of charge, they became known as the "Moneyless Ones," or Anargyroi, in the Eastern Church. Desiring to heal more than just bodies, they shared their belief in Christ with their patients while ministering to their needs. They also prayed for, and with their patients.
Martyred for the Faith
Cooperating with God's grace, they brought about healings many considered miraculous. Renowned for their work together healing both bodies and souls, the twin brothers caught the attention of Lysias, the Roman Governor. Lysias forced their capture and condemned them to death.
Ancient Church histories record that they were first cast into the sea with their three brothers, Anthimus, Euprepius, and Leonitis. An angel is said to have saved them by delivering them safely to shore. Later burned, stoned, and shot with arrows, they remained unscathed. Executioners beheaded Cosmas and Damian when they realized they could not force the faithful brothers to apostatize.
Eventually Christians constructed a church over their burrial site in Cyrrhus. When the Christian Roman Emporor Justinian became ill, he prayed to the brothers for a cure. Upon receiving his favor, he enlarged the city of Cyr and the church in their honor.
Apse mosaic at the Basilica of. Sts. Cosmas & Damian in Rome, picturing St. Peter presenting Cosmas and St. Paul presenting Damian to Jesus.
Their Cult of Devotion
As stories of their intercession and heroic faith spread among the faithful, many other churches were dedicated to Cosmas and Damian in Constantinople and Rome. A pagan temple in the Roman Forum was converted to the Basilica of Sts. Cosmas and Damian during the 6th Century, and the Pope transferred their relics from Syria to their basilica. The apse of the basilica displays Saints Peter and Paul presenting the brothers to Jesus in a vibrant mosaic.
Devotion to Sts. Cosmas and Damian extended widely throughout Christian Europe, particularly in the Eastern Church. Most of the miracles attributed to these holy brothers involved healing, in keeping with their gifts and apostolic mission. Because of their heroic martyrdom and healing miracles, they joined the ranks of martyrs, saints, and holy virgins named in the Roman Canon, or Eucharistic Prayer I, where you and I still hear of them today.
Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian Dressing a Chest Wound by Antoine de Favray - Photo Credit: Wellcome Library. Wellcome Collection gallery (2018-04-03).
Timeless Lessons
No ultimate miracle saved Saints Cosmas and Damian from their deaths. As doctors, these martyred brothers understood a great paradox of our humanity - the human body is both miraculous and frail. As Christians, they believed in the resplendent, eternal nature of the soul. They used their gifts as completely as few others have, honoring both for the glory of God.
The twin brothers brought their considerable skills to bear, but ultimately, they healed others through the power of Jesus. Professing His name without fear, they remind us that we are both corporal and spiritual beings, created to glorify our Lord and Master.
Sts. Cosmas and Damian inspire us to integrate both of our natures courageously, so that we can recognize and do battle against challenges of the spirit and the flesh with faith and courage. As with many saints in their elite company, they remind us not to fear the destruction of the body for the eternal glory of the soul.
Their heroic example is honored today, and throughout time, by uncountable numbers of Catholics who recite their names in the Roman Canon and ask for their intercession through prayer. They are among the beloved Patrons of Pharmacists, Physicians, Surgeons, Dentists, Nurses and the Blind.
