Who were Saint Cosmas and Damian?

The tradition tells that Saint Cosme and Damian were twin brothers, who were born around the 3rd century, in the region of Arabia. Coming from a noble family, the mother of the pair, always preached to her children the teachings of Christianity.

Both worked as doctors, voluntarily, with the sole purpose of helping those who needed it most. Besides their vocation to medicine, the brothers also dedicated a good part of their lives to preaching the words of God. Precisely because of this, they ended up suffering persecution, a fact that eventually led them to death.

For working in a voluntary manner, both received the fame that they did not like money. However, it was not quite like that. It can be said that St. Cosmas and Damian only knew how to put money in its proper place. And so they will leave numerous lessons for their faithful. Follow more details of this story below.

History of Saint Cosme and Damian

Born in the city of Aegean, in Arabia, the brothers had the opportunity to study in Syria, in an excellent training center. There, they learned and specialized in the area of medicine.

Since then, many things have changed in the life of Saint Cosmas and Damian.

Life of Saints Cosmas and Damian

From an early age, the brothers had a Christian upbringing at home, influenced by their mother, Theodata. The woman's faith and her teachings were so strong that God became the centre of the lives of Saint Cosmas and Damian. During the brothers' stay in Syria, they both specialised in the sciences and medicine.

Thus, it did not take long for them to become renowned doctors. The brothers also stood out in the discovery of new treatments for various diseases. In addition, Saint Cosmas and Damian were also great examples of solidarity, as they attended many needy people in a voluntary manner. These details you will follow below.

Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian and the medicine of God

Because of their mother's influence, Saint Cosmas and Damian have always been very religious, so in the midst of the pagan society in which they lived, they began to seek ways to evangelize people. In this way, the gift of medicine became an ally in this mission.

Through the generosity and charity of both, they began to attract people to the path of good, taking the word of God to them. The brothers did not charge for their services, and used medicine to help everyone who needed it, especially the most needy, thus using this gift, intermediated by their faith in God.

The mission of Saint Cosmas and Damian was to cure not only physical illnesses, but also the ills of the soul. For this reason, today both are patron saints of doctors, pharmacists and medical faculties.

The persecution of Cosmas and Damian

At the time when Cosmas and Damian lived, there was a great persecution against Christians, mediated by the Emperor Diocletian. The brothers lived by spreading the word of God, and this soon reached the ears of the Emperor. Thus, both were accused of practicing sorcery and for this they were imprisoned.

Under the order of arrest, Cosmas and Damian were roughly removed from the place where they were treating their patients. From there, they were taken to court. The accusation of witchcraft occurred for the simple fact of the brothers healing their sick. Thus, the court accused them of propagating a forbidden sect.

When questioned about the healings they did, the brothers were not afraid, and with all the words they answered that they healed the diseases in the name of Christ, through his power. Thus, the court soon ordered them both to renounce their faith, and to worship the Roman gods. The brothers stood firm and refused, and so they were tortured.

Martyrdom of Saints Cosmas and Damian

After passing through the court on charges of witchcraft, Saint Cosmas and Damian were sentenced to death by stoning and arrows. Despite all the brutality of this conviction, the brothers did not die, which further aroused the fury of the authorities.

After the incident, it was ordered that the brothers be burned in the public square, but to the surprise of many, the fire did not even reach them. Despite all the suffering, the brothers continued to praise God, and were grateful to be suffering for Jesus Christ.

After the fire episode, it was ordered that both be killed by drowning. Once again the divine hand intervened and the pair was saved by angels. Finally, at the Emperor's behest, the tortured men decapitated the brothers' heads, and leading both to their deaths.

Saint Cosme and Damian in Umbanda and Candomblé

When talking about Saint Come and Damian, it is common to initially think of Catholicism. However, it is fundamental to say that they also have their importance within Umbanda and also Candomblé.

Below, understand a little more about this syncretism within other religions, and check out more details about this charismatic duo of brothers. Check it out.

Ibejis, or Eree

According to the teachings of the Federação de Umbanda e Candomblé de Brasília, Ibejis and São Cosme e Damião are not the same people. However, both are brothers who have a very similar life history.

The ibejis are African divinities, which, according to Candomblé, solve any kind of problem taken to them in exchange for toys and sweets. The legend also tells that one of the brothers drowned. Because of this, the other was deeply sad and asked the so-called Supreme God to take him too.

Thus, after the death of the brothers, an image of both was left on the earth, in which it was said that they could never be separated. From that moment on, promises started to be made to the image, also offering sweets or toys.

This is because when the slaves arrived in Brazil and created this religion, in order to perform their services, they associated their gods with the saints of the Catholic Church, according to Pai Nino, President of the Federation of Umbanda and Candomblé of Brasilia.

Innocence and purity

Within the African religions, the ibises have always represented purity, as well as innocence and goodness. Both have always transmitted joyful and harmonious energies, so that their presence, whether physical or spiritual, always brought peace to the environment.

According to the legend, the ibejis started in medicine at the age of 7. Thus, it is known that the child itself carries the purity of childhood. Thus, this fact served even more to mark this characteristic in the ibejis.

The Feast of Cosme and Damian

The feast to Come and Damião or Ibejis occurs every 27th of September, and is celebrated in various corners of Brazil. Nowadays, it can be said that this celebration has become a major popular Brazilian festival, especially in the south and southeast regions. On this day in question, it is common among the faithful to make a dish called "caruru of the boys", or "caruru of the saints".

The famous caruru is usually distributed for free to children during the celebration. In Rio de Janeiro, there is also a tradition of distributing free popcorn, sweets and candies, also for children. During all the celebrations, it is possible to observe the feeling of gratitude of the faithful to Cosme and Damião.

Symbolism in the image of Saint Cosme and Damian

Like all saints, the image of Saint Cosme and Damian carries with it numerous symbolisms. From the green tunic, to the red cloak, to the brothers' palm, all these details have their own special meaning.

In addition, their interpretations often bring with them marks of the history of this duo. To understand all these details, follow the reading below carefully.

The green tunic of Cosme and Damian

The green tunic of these two dear brothers is a symbol of hope. It also represents the life that conquers death. Thus, it is important to remember that the brothers conquered death twice during their martyrdom.

It is therefore understood that Saint Cosmas and Damian gave their lives for Christ, and even in moments of torture did not deny him. Because of this, they received eternal life from the Creator. Besides, of course, the fact that they dedicated themselves to medicine, and saved many lives, so that, even temporarily, they were able to overcome the death of their patients.

The red cloak of Cosme and Damian

The mantle of Saint Cosmas and Damian is red to remind everyone of the martyrdom that both went through. It is worth remembering that, for being Christians and not denying Christ before the Emperor, both were beheaded.

In addition, for having the gift of medicine and have cured many people, not only for bodily pains, but also of the soul, St. Cosmas and Damian, were also accused of witchcraft, a fact that collaborated to his sad martyrdom.

The white collar of Cosme and Damian

The white on the collar of Saint Cosmas and Damian, as can be imagined, symbolizes purity, a purity that has always been present in the hearts of the brothers. This sentiment was also evident in their profession, which nourished both the body and the soul of the sick.

Thus, the brothers attended to everyone freely and with much love, as if they were Christ himself. In this way, it is understood that all the affection and dedication that both offered to the patients represented one more step towards their healing.

The medallion of Cosme and Damian

The medallion of Saint Cosmas and Damian has a very simple and special meaning. It represents nothing more and nothing less than the faith that the brothers had in Christ, in life.

We can observe that the medallions have the face of Jesus, thus representing the doctor of doctors, the doctor of all humanity, thus recalling the profession of the brothers who, during their lifetime, saved many people.

The Cosme and Damian gift boxes

It can be observed that Cosme and Damian carry little gift boxes in their hands. These in turn have two different meanings. Firstly, they represent the medicines which the brothers prepared as gifts for their patients. Because of such acts, they received the title of patron saint of doctors and pharmacists.

The other meaning of the gift box, however, symbolizes what one might say was the greatest gift the duo could give their patients, the teaching about religion and faith in Christ.

The palm of Cosme and Damian

The Brothers' Palm represents a very noble message. It signifies the victory of Saint Cosmas and Damian over their martyrs, that is, the victory over every kind of sin, as well as over death.

Saint Cosmas and Damian gave their lives for Christ, and for this, they ascended to heaven and there they were reborn to live eternal life. It is worth remembering that, the twins preferred death, than to have to deny Jesus and their faith. Thus, at the end of their lives, they received the victory that is offered to the saints, and for this they carry in one of their hands, a palm leaf.

How to pray the rosary of Saint Cosme and Damian

Like all good prayers, to pray the Rosary of Saint Cosme and Damian it is fundamental that you look for a quiet place where you can concentrate without being interrupted. It is also important that you light a candle for the brothers while you pray.

In the following, you will be able to know a little more about all the mysteries of the Rosary of Saint Cosme and Damian. Follow it with faith.

First mystery

Before delving further into the mysteries, it is important to explain that the rosary begins with the sign of the cross and an Creed. Immediately after that, on the first large bead of the rosary, an Our Father is prayed, and on the first three small beads, a Hail Mary is prayed. Finally, on the second large bead, a Gloria is prayed.

At the end of these prayers, you can make your request, and then the First Mystery begins, which is performed to contemplate the birth of St. Cosmas and Damian, and the fact that they were born into a Christian family, which gave them all the teachings of the Christian faith.

In this way, during the First Mystery, the faithful pray for all twin brothers, as well as for all families in general, that they may always be filled with harmony, as was that of Saint Cosmas and Damian.

The sequence of the prayer is as follows. On the large bead an Our Father is prayed, on the small beads pray:

Saints Cosme and Damian, intercede with God for me.

Heal my body and soul, and may I always say yes to Jesus.

And finally, a Glory be to the Father. This sequence of prayers will be repeated in all the mysteries.

Second mystery

In the Second Mystery, the objective is to contemplate the medicinal studies of the brothers Cosme and Damian. Thus, at this moment, the faithful take the opportunity to pray for all those who have the opportunity and the gift to dedicate themselves to this study, so that as professionals, they can dedicate their craft for the good of those who need it most.

Third mystery

The Third Mystery comes to contemplate the entire exercise of the medical profession of Saint Cosmas and Damian in life. Thus, during these prayers, one is always reminded of the way in which a doctor must understand his patient, both in body and soul. At this moment, one also takes the opportunity to ask for healing for all illnesses.

Fourth mystery

During the Fourth Mystery we contemplate all the persecution that the brothers suffered, right up to their imprisonment. Thus, during this period we take the opportunity to ask for strength in prayer, so that we can always face with heart and faith all the difficulties and even persecutions that we may encounter in life.

Fifth mystery

Finally, in the Fifth and last Mystery, we contemplate the tortures and martyrdom that St. Cosmas and Damian went through. Both were great examples of faith, preferring death to denying Christ. At this moment the faithful take the opportunity to ask for even greater fidelity to Jesus, to love him unconditionally even in the face of difficulties.

The devotion to Saint Cosme and Damian

The devotion to Saint Cosme and Damian has been around for many years, both in Catholicism and in religions of African origin, so if you really want to understand more about them, it is essential that you know information such as the commemorative date of both, and of course their prayers.

Following, you may also know a sympathy offered to them, which promises to be powerful. Follow.

Sympathy of Saint Cosme and Damian

Cosme and Damian have many sympathies dedicated to them. Among these, one of the best known is the one made especially to cure diseases, since in life the brothers were great doctors.

Initially, start by making a cake dedicated to the saints. It can be the cake of your choice, the only caveat is that it should be made with a lot of faith, trust, and of course, respect. Once you finish it, you should decorate it to your liking, and leave it in a garden. Along with the cake, you should also put two bottles of soda and two small candles, in pink and blue.

Then, carefully light the candles and offer them to Saint Cosme and Damian. While doing so, take the opportunity to ask for the intercession of the cure of the disease that has afflicted you or the person for whom you are asking. Finally, leave the place without looking back.

The day of Saint Cosme and Damian

The twins Cosme and Damian have two different days dedicated to them. This is because in the Catholic Church the saints' day is celebrated on September 26th, while in other popular festivals, such as those that occur in most Spiritist Centers for example, it is always celebrated on September 27th.

Whatever your religion, and on which of these dates you commemorate the lives of these saints, make good use of the date in question. Say prayers with much faith dedicated to them, and trust that this beloved pair of brothers will always intercede to the Father with much compassion for you.

Prayer of Saint Cosme and Damian

"Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian, for love of God and neighbour, you consecrated your lives in caring for the body and soul of the sick. Bless the doctors and pharmacists. Achieve health for our bodies. Strengthen our lives. Cure our thoughts of all evil. May your innocence and simplicity help all children to be very kind to one another.

With your protection, keep my heart always simple and sincere. Grant that I may frequently remember these words of Jesus: 'Let the little children come to me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven'. Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian, pray for us, for all children, doctors and pharmacists. Amen".

For what causes do Saints Cosmas and Damian usually intercede?

As you can see in this article, Cosme and Damian are very popular saints within several religions. Thus, the causes for which they usually intercede are numerous, after all, they are protectors of children, twins, doctors, pharmacists, among others.

Among the many things you have learned during this reading, you have seen that in life the brothers were great doctors, and so it is normal that the faithful from all over the world have recourse to them with the most varied requests for healing, as much for illnesses of the soul as of the body. This being one of the main causes requested of them.

Within African religions, it is believed that they started in medicine at the age of 7, so they have always brought with them the purity of children. Thus, they are also always remembered when any child is in trouble. Whatever your need, believe that they will always intercede with compassion for you.