Kosmas and Damian (Asian)

Holy Unmercenary Physicians Cosmas and Damian of Asia.

Saints Kosmas and Damian of Asia Minor were brothers and physicians, raised in the faith by their pious mother Theodota. They treated the sick without ever accepting payment, asking only that those they healed believe in Christ, and for this the Church calls them Unmercenaries. They reposed in peace after lives given wholly to God and neighbor.

They are the first of several pairs of unmercenary physicians named Kosmas and Damian honored in the church year, and they are invoked by the sick and by those in the healing professions. They are commemorated on November 1.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Kosmas and Damian (Asian) is commemorated on November 1. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on November 14 of the civil calendar.

Who celebrates a name day

People with these names keep their name day on this feast:

Kosmas, Cosmas, Damianos, Damian, Argyris, Argiris, Anargyros, Argyro, Argiro, Anargyri, Damiani

Also commemorated on November 1

• David of Euboea

  Venerable, Δαβίδ ο εν Ευβοία

  Venerable David the Elder, ascetic and founder of the monastery that bears his name in northern Euboea.

  Name days: David, Davidis, Dave, Davit

• Helen of Sinope

  Holy Woman, Ελένη η Παρθενομάρτυς

  Virgin Martyr Helen of Sinope, a young Christian who suffered for her faith under Ottoman rule.

• Kyriaina and Juliana

  Holy Woman, Κυριαίνα και Ιουλιανή

  Holy Martyrs Kyriaina and Juliana, who suffered together in Cilicia.

• Caesarius, Dasius and companions

  Martyr, Καισάριος και Δάσιος

  Holy Martyrs Caesarius, Dasius, Sabbas, Sabinianus, Agrippa, Adrian and Thomas, who suffered at Damascus.

• James of Kastoria and his disciples

  Martyr, Ιάκωβος ο Νέος Οσιομάρτυς

  Holy New Monk-Martyr James of Kastoria with his disciples James the Deacon and Dionysios the Monk.

• Theodota, mother of Cosmas and Damian

  Holy Woman, Θεοδότη

  Righteous Theodota, the pious mother of the Holy Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian.

Icon: public domain image from Wikimedia Commons.