Born at the end of the 3rd century, the brothers Cosmas and Damian received an excellent education and became doctors. Raised by a deeply religious mother, they decided to devote their entire lives to the Lord.
The brothers were called unmercenaries for good reason: they not only did not take money for their work, but also helped people who got into a difficult situation. To any attempt to thank the brethren, they answered with the words of the Gospel: “You have received it for nothing, give it for nothing.”
For their devotion to faith and help, the Lord gave them a special gift of healing. They put their hands on people and animals, and through their prayers they immediately recovered. The brethren have always emphasized what Jesus is healing and in order to be healed one must believe. Dozens of people became Christians because of their brothers.
Their fame spread throughout the district, people came from afar to receive treatment from their brothers.
At that time, Christians were not respected. They were persecuted and forced to return to idolatry. The brothers were also arrested and brought to the Emperor. He tried to persuade them to offer sacrifices to idols, but Cosmas and Damian held firmly to the teachings of Christ. Emperor Karin became so angry that his face was skewed. The brothers prayed and healed the emperor. They were released.
Human envy, however, did what even the emperor did not dare to do: it destroyed the saints. The doctor whose brothers studied medicine could not bear their success and vilely killed them. Many miracles took place at the grave of the brothers. People healed, found missing things, achieved success in business.
The relics of the brothers are kept in Parrocchia Santuario Basilica S.S. Cosma E Damiano, in Alberobello, Italy.
Celebration
November 14
The Holy Land Charitable Foundation
Lives of Saints
