There are three pairs of saints named Cosmas and Damian, who are venerated by the Church on different dates: the Asiatic ones—November 14, the Roman ones—July 14, and the Arabian ones—October 30.

The Asiatic Cosmas and Damian were born in Asia Minor no later than the 4th century. Their father, a pagan, died while they were still children, so their Christian mother took care of their upbringing. Eventually, the brothers pursued studies in medicine. Upon beginning their medical practice, they did not accept payment for their healing work, strictly following Christ’s command: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give” (Matt. 10:8). For this, they became known as the “Unmercenaries.” According to tradition, when the brothers healed a severely ill woman, she, not wanting to leave them without a reward, gave Damian three eggs, saying, “Accept this small gift in the Name of the Life-giving Trinity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Damian accepted them, not wishing to refuse upon hearing the name of the Trinity. When Cosmas learned of this, he thought his brother had broken the vow of non-receiving payment, and before his death, he instructed that Damian not be buried next to him. However, shortly after Damian’s death, the people did not know where to bury him. Only a camel, which the brothers had once healed from rabies, spoke in a human voice, indicating that Damian should be buried next to Cosmas. Their holy relics were laid to rest in Feremani, Mesopotamia.

Iconography
In Ukrainian calendars, descriptions of the three pairs of brothers can be found. The Asiatic twin brothers are depicted as identical youths. The Arabian brothers are distinguished by one being beardless and the other bearded. The Roman brothers are beardless, but one has curly hair. In iconography, there is often a blending of features from all three pairs of saints, which complicates the exact identification of which Cosmas and Damian are depicted. In all cases, the saint-healers hold spoons and boxes of medicine, and sometimes eucharistic chalices. The Roman and Arabian brothers, who suffered martyrdom, are often depicted with palm branches or crosses. In the 17th–18th centuries, there was a tradition of placing icons of the brothers on the doorposts of the deacon doors.

Mikhailo Skop

Icons of the “Unmercenary and Wonderworking Cosmas and Damian”