Scientist and Christian, An Excellent Combination

 By Metropolitan Chrysostomos III of Mani

(Homily Delivered on June 30, 2022)

The Holy Unmercenaries Kosmas and Damian, whom we celebrate today, came from Rome and lived in the 3rd century. By studying medical science, they cured many people and even animals from their diseases. They did not receive money as a reward. They were unmercenaries. However, they would tell the healed to believe in Christian teaching.

Both were martyrs for Christ. They were even called Wonderworkers because even after their martyrdom they performed many miracles for the sick. In the Protaton of the Holy Mountain there is a wonderful fresco of them, a work of Panselinos of the 15th century.

These Saints also show us the value of the cooperation of religion and science. They were doctors, but that did not prevent them from being faithful Christians. This is a beautiful ideal. A proper scientist and a conscientious Christian. An excellent combination.

Synaxis of All the Holy Physicians

At the session of the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which took place on the 21st of July 2021, under the chairmanship Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, discussed and appreciated were the sacrificial and essential contribution of medical science and its healers in tackling the pandemic.

Therefore, it was decided to establish the feast of the "Synaxis of All the Holy Physicians" on the Sunday of each year closest to the 17th and 18th of October, when the Synaxis of the Holy Unmercennary Saints and the memory of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke the Physician are celebrated. On this day, the "Synaxis of the Holy Physicians", the Church will honor the full contribution of medical science and its healers to humanity.