Unmercenary · 3rd century
Cosmas and Damian of Mesopotamia
Holy Wonderworkers and Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian of Mesopotamia
New Calendar November 1 Old Calendar November 14
Why they are a saint
Cosmas and Damian of Mesopotamia were known as physician brothers who healed without pay (anargyroi). This is the November 1 pair of Mesopotamia, distinct from the Roman and Cilician pairs. The years given for this life are 3rd century. The faithful still ask the holy unmercenaries to pray for the sick.
Life
Saints Cosmas and Damian were natives of Asia Minor (some sources say Mesopotamia). Their pagan father died when they were small, and their mother, Saint Theodota, raised them in Christian piety. Skilled as physicians, they received from the Holy Spirit the gift of healing body and soul by prayer, treated even animals, and never took payment, keeping the Lord's word, 'Freely you have received, freely give.' They are called the Unmercenary Physicians.
They died peacefully, Cosmas first and Damian soon afterward, and were buried together. They are not to be confused with the Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian of Rome (July 1) or of Arabia (October 17).
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source says they are venerated as protectors of the holiness of Christian marriage and givers of harmony to married life.
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 Mesopotamia, 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 Cosmas and Damian of Rome (July 1); of Cilicia (October 17).