Today, the Church commemorates the Holy Unmercenary Physicians Cosmas and Damian, the female Martyrs Kyriaini and Juliana, and Saint David of Euboea.
The physicians Cosmas and Damian, who came from Asia, lost their father at an early age. Their mother, Theodote, provided them with both an excellent education and a Christian upbringing.
Having cultivated the Christian virtues, they devoted themselves diligently to the study and practice of medicine. They offered their medical knowledge freely, treating the sick with love, compassion, and respect, never accepting payment for their services. For this reason, the Church’s hymnography honors them as the Holy Unmercenaries (“Anargyroi”), reflecting the enduring recognition of the faithful.
The Saints acquired an imperishable treasure by placing their hope entirely in God. Firmly believing that “freely you have received; freely give,” they bestowed healing upon all without seeking wealth or earthly possessions. With joy, they continue to grant both spiritual and physical blessings to humanity. According to the Church’s tradition, they also healed animals, demonstrating God’s loving providence and care for all creation.
Saint David lived during the sixteenth century. From his youth, he devoted himself to the study of the Holy Scriptures and ecclesiastical writings. He became a disciple of the Elder Akakios, who guided him in the acquisition of the virtues and the experience of the monastic life. Through perseverance and spiritual struggle, Saint David steadily ascended the ladder of holiness.
“As the Prophet-King David struck down Goliath with a stone, so Saint David, through prayer, conquered the passions of human nature.”
The All-Holy Spirit granted him the grace to perform many miracles.
Having foreseen the end of his earthly life, Saint David reposed peacefully in the Lord. The Monastery of Saint David is located near the village of Rovies in northern Euboea, where his holy relics are preserved and venerated by the faithful.
Source: Church of Cyprus
