"Freely you have received; freely give to us."
From the ancient Troparion of Sts. Cosmas and Damian
In modern words
"Healing is a gift. Don't hoard it. Give it away."
Patron Saint
Sts. Cosmas & Damian
3rd Century · Patrons of physicians, surgeons, and pharmacists
"Freely you have received; freely give."
The Holy Unmercenaries
Saints Cosmas and Damian were twin brothers from Arabia, early Christian physicians and martyrs of the 3rd century. They are known as the Anargyroi — the “silverless” or “unmercenaries” — because they refused to accept payment for their medical services. They believed that healing was a gift from God, meant to be shared freely.
They treated both the body and the soul, recognizing that true health requires spiritual vitality. Their philosophy was simple and profound: bring medical skill and the power of Christ together, and refuse to charge for either.
For their faith they were martyred under the persecution of Diocletian. So revered is their witness that they are named in the Roman Canon of the Mass — the central prayer of every Catholic Eucharist — alongside the apostles and the earliest martyrs of the Church.
Why they guide us
Because they refused to separate medicine from ministry. The American healthcare system would tell you that physicians treat bodies and priests treat souls and the two should never meet in the same conversation. Cosmas and Damian have been correcting that error for eighteen hundred years.
For Health in the Spirit, they are the witnesses that integrative care — physical and spiritual together — is not innovation. It is the original Christian practice.
Feast day
September 26 (Roman); July 1 (Eastern) in the Roman Catholic calendar.
From the tradition
Their wisdom, in the words of the Church
"They exercised the art of healing with admirable charity and sacrifice, curing the incurable and ministering with the aid of medical skill and the power of Christ."
From the Roman Breviary
In modern words
"Science is the tool. Christ is the power. You need both for a miracle."
"Desiring to heal more than just bodies, they shared their belief in Christ with their patients while ministering to their needs."
Historical account of their medical practice
In modern words
"A healthy body is just a vehicle. A healthy soul is the destination."
"They did not fear the destruction of the body for the eternal glory of the soul."
Account of their martyrdom under Diocletian
In modern words
"Take care of your body, but never fear losing it. Your soul is what lasts forever."