Saints Cosmas and Damian,
Born, by tradition in the Cilicia region, of Asia Minor [Turkey]—died c. 303, in Cilicia; their feast day, in the Eastern church, is October 27; and in the Western church, September 27), martyrs and patron saints of physicians. They were brothers, perhaps twins, but little is known with certainty about their lives or martyrdom.
According to Christian custom, Cosmas and Damian were educated in Syria and became renowned physicians in Cilicia, where their charity persuaded many to become Christians. Because they refused payment for their services, they were called the “silverless ones.” Imprisoned during the persecution of Christians by the Roman emperor Diocletian, they were tortured and finally beheaded, their bodies being taken to Syria for burial. By the mid-5th century, their veneration had become so extensive that churches were erected in their honour in various Eastern cities, including Constantinople (now Istanbul). Pope Symmachus (498–514) devoted an oratory to them, and by 530 Pope Felix IV had constructed a church in their honour at Rome. Numerous early accounts of their lives and martyrdom gave rise to many legends. ( Paraphrased by Andrew Blair) Written by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Adam Augustyn.
Image By Jean Bourdichon – This file comes from Gallica Digital Library and is available under the digital ID ark:/12148/btv1b52500984v/f355.item, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30581072