- 26 September, 2026
September 26, 2026: Saints Cosmas and Damian are remembered as two Christian physicians and martyrs of the early Church. According to Christian tradition, these brothers devoted their medical skills to caring for the sick without asking for payment. Their generosity earned them the Greek name “Anargyroi”, meaning “the silverless” or “without money”. Their feast is celebrated on September 26 in the current Catholic calendar.
Feast Day: September 26
Title: Physicians and Martyrs
Born: Arabia, around the 3rd century
Known For: Healing the sick without payment and witnessing to Christ
Martyrdom: During the persecution of Christians under Diocletian
Patron Saints: Physicians, surgeons and pharmacists
Also Known As: The Holy Unmercenary Physicians
Cosmas and Damian were traditionally believed to be twin brothers who practised medicine in the eastern Roman world. They became known for treating people without accepting payment, seeing their medical profession as an opportunity to serve God and their neighbours.
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Their concern went beyond physical healing. Vatican sources describe how they also sought the spiritual good of those they encountered, witnessing to their Christian faith through both their words and their charitable actions. Their reputation for generosity spread throughout the region.
Because Cosmas and Damian refused payment for their medical services, they became known as Anargyroi, a Greek term meaning “without silver”. Their example presents medicine not simply as a profession but as a way of expressing compassion and love for those who suffer.
Their tradition has therefore remained especially meaningful for healthcare workers and others who dedicate their lives to caring for the sick.
The brothers lived during a period when Christians faced persecution under the Roman authorities. According to the traditional account, they were arrested and ordered to renounce their faith.
They remained faithful to Christ despite persecution and torture. Tradition says that they were eventually put to death by beheading. Their martyrdom became a lasting testimony to their commitment to Christ.
Some details of their lives and martyrdom come from later traditions, and historical accounts contain legendary elements. Nevertheless, their early veneration is well established, and their names became part of the Church's liturgical tradition. They are included in the Roman Canon, one of the ancient Eucharistic prayers of the Church.
Devotion to Saints Cosmas and Damian spread throughout both the Eastern and Western Churches. Churches were dedicated to them in places including Constantinople and Rome, and they became especially associated with healing and healthcare.
Their example reminds Christians that knowledge and professional skills can become powerful instruments of charity when placed at the service of others.
Saints Cosmas and Damian teach an enduring lesson about compassion, generosity and faithful service. They used their abilities to help people without seeking financial reward and remained faithful to Christ when their beliefs were challenged.
Their witness continues to inspire doctors, nurses, pharmacists, caregivers and all those who work to relieve human suffering.
To know about more saints and Catholic feast days, please visit the spiritual section.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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