Sts. Cosmas and Damian
As excerpted from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website
Icon of Sts. Cosmas and Damian, St. Paraskevi Church in Adam, Greece. 1850, Public domain picryl.com
On November 1st of each year, the Holy Orthodox Church commemorates the holy Feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian, two extraordinary brothers who were renowned physicians and martyrs of the early Church. Born in Asia Minor, these beloved saints of the Church earned a distinctive reputation for offering their services of healing to those in need. In their deeds, Saints Cosmas and Damian were living examples of the commandment of Christ to His disciples: Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons. You received without paying, give without pay (Matthew 10:8). It is for this reason that the Church bestows upon Saints Cosmas and Damian the honorific distinction of “Holy Unmercenaries” (Agioi Anargyroi), for these two great men took these words of Christ to their heart.
Yet, what precisely does the Church mean by this term “unmercenary”? In answering this question, it is helpful to recall that a mercenary is one who specifically contracts with another to serve on a “work-for-hire” basis. The loyalty of a mercenary normally is measured by the amount of money which he is promised in exchange for his performance. For the mercenary, the monetary value of his work is of significance.
By contrast, an “unmercenary” renders service for a lifetime. Payment is not the basis of his work, but rather the unselfish nature of his labor and his deep love for the beneficial work he is doing. The example of Saints Cosmas and Damian is a superb, indeed holy example of the mindset and actions of an “unmercenary.” This is because the labor of these beloved Saints was expressed in the task of restoring the health of others in the name of Jesus Christ, and the level of love they had for this labor was equal to the level of love they held for Christ, which was without limit.
On this blessed Feast of the Holy Unmercenaries, Saints Cosmas and Damian, we are guided by their examples of holiness and compassion to offer service to those in need. Influenced by the saintly life of their devout mother, they chose to use their knowledge and skills for healing those with sickness. They did this freely, with a focus on the well-being of body and soul; and because of their love of God and neighbor, they were blessed with the wisdom to preach the Gospel and with the power to heal through prayer.
While their training in the medical arts equipped them to address physical maladies, Saints Cosmas and Damian knew through their faith in Christ that the power of faith and grace was much greater. This power could heal mind, body and soul. It is the power to make a person whole and to restore humankind to the potential of our creation in God’s image. It is ultimately the power of salvation and eternal life.
These blessed Saints represent our calling to offer healing to all. This healing includes infirmities of mind and body as we have compassion for those who are suffering and afflicted. It also includes healing for the soul, healing that comes through faith and grace, bringing transformation, renewal, and hope. As our Lord came that they may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10), we have a mission to bring wholeness of life to others. As Jesus Christ revealed divine grace by healing body and soul, we are the members of His Body, the Church, with a calling to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of all.
Today, the legacy of Saints Cosmas and Damian lives on, and their example of giving challenges us to consider concepts of labor, love, and faithfulness in radical ways as we engage in philanthropic actions and service to others.
