Unmercenary · 3rd–4th century
Cyrus and John
Holy Wonderworkers and Unmercenaries Cyrus and John
New Calendar January 31 Old Calendar February 13
Why they are a saint
Cyrus and John were unmercenary physicians martyred at Canopus in Egypt; a major healing shrine in late antiquity. The years given for this life are 3rd–4th century. The Church honors the unmercenaries as healers who would not take pay for mercy.
Life
Saint Cyrus was a physician in Alexandria who treated the sick without charge, healing soul as well as body; he taught that whoever wishes to avoid illness should refrain from sin. In the persecution of Diocletian he withdrew to Arabia and became a monk. The soldier John of Edessa sought him out and became his faithful follower.
When the Christian woman Athanasia and her three young daughters were arrested, Cyrus and John went to the prison to strengthen them. All were tortured; the women were beheaded, and Cyrus and John were executed at the same place. Christians buried them in the church of the Evangelist Mark; in the fifth century their relics were moved from Canopus to Manuphin.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source says they are invoked by those who have difficulty sleeping.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Patron of physicians, hospital workers (Unmercenaries), because they healed the sick, as told in their life.
Prayer
O holy Cyrus and John, 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 other Johns.