Sts Cosmas and Damian and the doctors of Aleppo, Syria

Madonna and Child between Sts Cosmas and Damian, Andrea della Robia, c.1466 

Arciconfraternità della Misericordia, Florence [Web Gallery of Art]

Tomorrow, 26 September, is the feast of Sts Cosmas and Damian. We don't know too much about them but they were martyred around the year 287. They were physicians and believed to have been twins. They lived and served the people in the ancient Roman province of Syria and were known as the 'unmercenaries' because they didn't charge for their services.

Devotion to them is strong among both Eastern and Western Christians and they are mentioned in the Roman Canon (First Eucharistic Prayer). They are patron saints of doctors, pharmacists, surgeons and barbers.

Channel 4 News (England) 17 August 2016

There are many other videos of the same hospital, its staff and patients on YouTube.

Prayer to Saints Cosmas and Damian,  Physicians and Martyrs

O Physicians of souls, Saints Cosmas and Damian, stand before the Lord of All and ask Him to heal me and all those dear to me of any spiritual ills we may endure. 

Drive away from us all sin and sadness of mind, all darkness and despair.  Make us then willing and loving servants of Christ, following your holy example of detachment from the things of this world and care for the needs of our neighbors.

On the glorious day of the Universal Resurrection may we shine with you in the full health of our nature restored by the mercies of Jesus who lives and reigns forever and ever. 

Amen. 

Channel 4 News (England) 9 May 2016

Living in Aleppo is a martyrdom project. We think of ourselves as living martyrs. If you're in Aleppo you expect to die at any time in your home or in the street.

Please pray for all hospital workers in Aleppo through the intercession of the Syrian martyrs and physicians Sts Cosmas and Damian.

Sts Cosmas and Damian, Matteo de Pacino, 1370-75

North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh [Web Gallery of Art]

Collect

May you be magnified, O Lord,

by the revered memory of your Saints Cosmas and Damian,

for with providence beyond words

you have conferred on them everlasting glory,

and on us, your unfailing help.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.