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.
Life
Saints Cosmas and Damian of Rome were brothers and physicians who suffered under the emperor Carinus (283-284). Raised in piety, they received from God the gift of healing, told the sick that they healed by the power of Christ, and took no payment, so that they were called unmercenary physicians and led many into the Church.
When soldiers arrested other Christians in their place, they gave themselves up to free them, and at Rome they were imprisoned and put on trial. In the end, their former teacher of medicine, envious of their fame, lured them into the mountains and murdered them. They are not to be confused with the Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian of Asia Minor (November 1) or of Arabia (October 17).
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source says God grants healing to all who turn with faith to their intercession.
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).