St. Damian

St. Damian, along with his twin brother St. Cosmas, was a 3rd-century physician and Christian martyr who offered free medical care, becoming symbols of charity and healing. They are venerated as patron saints of doctors and pharmacists, and are remembered on September 26.

St. Damian was a Christian physician and martyr of the 3rd century, best known for his charitable medical practice and strong faith. He is most often remembered together with his twin brother, St. Cosmas. According to tradition, the two brothers were born in the region of Arabia and received a strong Christian upbringing. Both went on to study medicine in Syria, where they developed a reputation for their healing abilities and their refusal to accept any payment. This earned them the nickname "anargyroi" (Greek for "the silverless" or "without money").

Their selfless approach to medicine was a powerful testament to their Christian beliefs. In an era when medicine was often a profession associated with profit and prestige, Cosmas and Damian stood apart by offering their services purely out of love for God and humanity. Their lives bore witness to the Gospel values of compassion, humility, and mercy. Many miraculous healings were attributed to their work, and they quickly became known throughout the region as holy men.

Their fame and open profession of Christianity eventually attracted the attention of the Roman authorities during the Diocletian persecution. The governor of Cilicia arrested them and tried to force them to renounce their faith. Despite brutal torture, they refused to deny Christ. According to various accounts, the two were subjected to being tied to crosses, stoned, and shot with arrows. When none of these methods succeeded in killing them, they were finally beheaded, securing their place as martyrs of the early Church around the year 287 AD.

After their deaths, their relics were venerated widely, and numerous churches were built in their honor throughout the Christian world, including in Rome, Constantinople, and the Middle East. The Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian in Rome, established in the 6th century by Pope Felix IV, stands as a lasting testament to their legacy.

St. Damian and his brother were never formally canonized through the later procedures established by the Catholic Church. Instead, they were venerated by popular acclaim, which was a common practice in the early centuries of Christianity. Their feast day was set for September 26 in the Western Church, and they are included in the Roman Martyrology. The Eastern Orthodox Church commemorates them on different dates, depending on regional traditions.

Throughout the centuries, St. Damian and St. Cosmas became patrons of physicians, pharmacists, and surgeons. They also gained a reputation as wonder-workers, and their intercession was often sought during plagues and times of illness. Artworks and icons frequently depict them holding medical instruments or healing the sick, further emphasizing their role as healers.

Their story has transcended time not only for its spiritual significance but also for its relevance to medical ethics and humanitarian service. In a modern world still marked by disparities in healthcare, the lives of Cosmas and Damian offer a powerful example of what it means to provide care with dignity, regardless of one’s ability to pay. Their feast continues to be celebrated with reverence in many Christian communities, especially among healthcare professionals.

Feast Day

25-9-

Birth Date

--3rd Century

Died Date

--

Canonised Date

--Pre-Congregation

Cyrus, Syria

St. Damian, Compassionate healer and martyr, Pray for us to serve others with selflessness and love. Help us to live with courage and faith, And to dedicate our lives to God’s will. Amen.
ST. DAMIAN

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ST. DAMIAN

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