Lives of Saints - Martyrs Cosmas, Damian, Leontius and others Christianity - Books
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Martyrs Cosmas, Damian, Leontius and others

Brothers Cosmas and Damian have been venerated since ancient time both in the East and in the West. The twin brothers were born in Arabia in the middle of the 3rd century. Having studied medicine they traveled the towns and villages of Arabia preaching faith and curing people and even animals through Christ’s power. They refused to take any payment. Thus many pagans were converted to Christianity.

Under the Emperor Diocletian (284-305) Cosmas and Damian came to the Kili region of Asia Minor, where they were persecuted by the prefect Lisius. They were arrested, tortured for a long time in an attempt to make them renounce Christ and finally beheaded in the year 303. Along with them the Christian brothers Leontius, Anthim and Euthropius died a martyrs death.

Their sacred relics were buried in the Syrian town of Kir, where many were cured through the healing power ensuing from the relics. In gratitude for being healed by Saints Cosmas and Damian from a serious illness, Emperor Justian (527-565) rebuilt and decorated their church in Constantinople. That church has become a place of pilgrimage for the entire east. As physicians disinterested in profit, Cosmas and Damian are revered as saint patrons of doctors and are depicted on some medical emblems. (We know three pairs of brothers among saints, who were called Cosmas and Damian). Apart from the twin brothers from Arabia described above, there were brothers Cosmas and Damian who lived in Asia Minor and died peacefully in Mesopotamia in the 3rd century. They are commemorated on November 1 according to the church calendar. We also venerate the Roman brothers Cosmas and Damian, who suffered under the Emperor Karin (283-284) and are commemorated on July 1 old calendar.

Troparion, Tone 3:
With steadfast heart thou didst finish thy course/ and cast down the wily foe;/ for thou wast clad in the armor of the Cross,/ O blessed Leonty/ thou wast numbered with the Martyr hosts/ and hast attained to eternal glory./ Ever entreat Christ our God to save us who honor thee.

Kontakion, Tone 2:
As a living temple of Christ the Lord/ thou didst destroy the ungodly temple,/ and didst build a dwelling in Paradise, O Martyr Leonty,/ by thy steadfast toils in martyrdom.


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