Unmercenary · 3rd–4th century
Cosmas and Damian of Rome
Holy Wonderworking Unmercenary Physicians Cosmas and Damian at Rome
New Calendar July 1 Old Calendar July 14
Why they are a saint
Cosmas and Damian of Rome are known as a second pair of unmercenary physician-brothers, martyred at Rome. Distinct from the Mesopotamian and Cilician pairs. The years given for this life are 3rd–4th century. The faithful still ask the holy unmercenaries to pray for the sick.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Patron of physicians, hospital workers (Unmercenaries), because they healed the sick, as told in their life.
Prayer
O holy Cosmas and Damian of Rome, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.
Do not confuse with the Mesopotamia pair (Nov 1) and Cilicia pair (Oct 17).