Cosmas and Damian suffered martyrdom at Cyrrhus (Kyros), a city of Syria, though the exact date is unknown. A basilica was built there in their honor, and from the fifth century their cult spread universally.
All that has come down to us about their lives belongs to legend. The miraculous healings attributed to them gave rise to the belief that they had been anargyroi—physicians who offered their care freely, without accepting payment. For this reason, they are venerated as patron saints of doctors and pharmacists.
Pope Felix IV (525–530) dedicated a basilica to them near the Roman Forum, whose apse is still adorned with a striking mosaic preserved to this day. The date of September 27, kept by the Latin Church as their feast, likely corresponds to the dedication of this basilica. In the present calendar, the memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul takes precedence, and the commemoration of Saints Cosmas and Damian is observed one day later.
