Cosmas and Damian were twin brothers and physicians traditionally associated with Syria in the 3rd century. The brothers became known for treating sick people without asking for payment.
Because of this, they were called the “Anargyroi,” often translated as “the silverless ones.”
One old Christian tradition tells how seriously they took this practice.
A woman named Palladia had suffered from an illness for years. Damian treated her, and after she recovered, she wanted to give him something in return.
Damian refused.
But Palladia insisted. She offered him 3 eggs and asked him to accept them in the name of the Holy Trinity.
This time, Damian accepted.
Not because 3 eggs were his consultation fee. According to the tradition, he accepted them because of the faith behind Palladia’s gift.
The little story gives us a glimpse of the kind of medicine the brothers became known for: their care was given without a price attached.
Cosmas and Damian continued caring for the sick and were eventually martyred during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian, traditionally around AD 303.
Some good things reach us without asking for anything in return. It can be as small as music drifting from a neighbor’s radio. We did not request it or pay for it, but somehow, our day gets a soundtrack.
For Cosmas and Damian, healing was their skill.
Giving it freely was their way of serving.
Let’s keep learning the saints’ way—day by day.
⌨ ᴛʸᵖⁱⁿᵍ ᴏᵘᵗ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ʙˡᵘᵉ ᵈᵃʳᵉᵐ ᵐᵘˢⁱᶜ ᵇˡᵒᵍ
