Synaxis of the Holy Unmercenaries

A handmade icon made on natural wood with the use of traditional materials. Crafted with 22K gold leaves. Reproduction according to the museum print standards.

Holy Unmercenaries

Many people mistakenly believe that there are only two Holy Unmercenaries, Cosmas and Damian. In fact, the synaxis of the Holy Unmercenaries also includes other physicians who were famous for their gift of healing, as well as for their kindness and unselfishness.

All of them were healers or Christian physicians who, in conspicuous opposition to medical practice of the day, tended to the sick, free of charge. They performed miracles in the name of their Christian faith unselfishly, without demanding remuneration, for which they came to be called the Holy Unmercenaries.

The synaxis of the Holy Unmercenaries is celebrated by the Church on October 17.

Holy Unmercenaries depicted from left to right:

1. St. Eutropius
2. St. Damian of Arabia
3. St. Anthimus
4. St. Leontius
5. St. Cosmas of Arabia
6. St. Diomedes
7. St. Cyrus the Wonderworker
8. St. Trypho
9. St. Thalleleus
10. St. Mocius
11. St. Anicetus
12. St. Julian
13. St. John the Wonderworker
14. St. Cosmas of Rome
15. St. Hermolaus of Nicomedia
16. St. Cosmas of Asia
17. St. Panteleimon the Great Martyr and Healer
18. St. Damian of Rome
19. St. Samson the Hospitable
20. St. Damian of Asia