These saints were brothers who lived in Rome in the third century. Their mother, Theodotia, raised them in Christian piety. The young men learned the art of healing and helped people without taking payment. Cosmas and Damian saw themselves as servants of God, healing the sick through faith in Christ. At the same time, the brothers proclaimed the Christian truth and called people to receive Holy Baptism. They taught that the chief healing is the healing of the soul, and that Jesus Christ alone grants salvation.
Cosmas and Damian had many who envied them, and one day their enemies slandered them before the emperor. The Emperor Carinus summoned the holy unmercenaries and ordered them to renounce Christianity and offer sacrifice to the pagan idols. The brothers refused with firmness. The emperor tried to intimidate them, but they in turn began to exhort him. Suddenly his neck was stricken with paralysis: he could not move it, and he was seized with fear. Immediately he repented before Cosmas and Damian and confessed faith in Jesus Christ before his courtiers. Then a miracle took place: Carinus was healed, and he ordered the saints to be set free.
The holy unmercenaries returned to their home near Rome and continued their ministry of healing. Their former teacher, however, greatly envied the brothers, for they had surpassed him in skill. By deceit he led them into the mountains, and there he killed them. Thus the holy unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian suffered a martyr’s death in 284. Their prayers have ever since brought forth healings and wonders for all who call upon them.
