The Serbian Orthodox Church today observes the martyrs Saint Cosmas and Damian, better known as the Holy Unmercenary Healers
The Serbian Orthodox Church and its faithful worldwide today observe the holiday dedicated to Cosmas and Damian, known among the people as the Healers or Unmercenary Healers (Vračevi or Vrači). These saints are considered the patrons of the medical profession. Today’s day is, according to folk belief, good for a prayer for healing.
The saints helped and healed, seeking nothing in return “not for gain and enrichment, but for the sake of God,” so they are known among the people as the Holy Unmercenary Ones (Besrebrenici). While healing, they converted people to the Christian faith.
Folk Beliefs
In the folk tradition, there is a belief that on this holiday, a prayer for healing should be recited, and also that it is good to do heavy physical work, and that one should not leave the house without pressing necessity. Since Cosmas and Damian healed the sick throughout their lives, there is a belief that a prayer for healing should be recited today.
This prayer should be read starting from today, 40 days in a row, and you will be healthy as much as you believe it can help you.
The Prayer
To you, holy unmercenary healers and wonderworkers Cosmas and Damian, as quick helpers and fervent intercessors for our salvation, bending our knees, we run and, bowing down, earnestly cry out: do not despise the supplication of us sinners and weak, who have fallen into many lawless deeds and sin every day and hour. Entreat the Lord to grant us, His unworthy servants, His great and abundant mercies.
Deliver us from all suffering and illness, for you have received the abundant grace of healing from the Lord and our Savior Jesus Christ, because of your firm faith, free healing, and martyric end. Hear us who pray and through your God-pleasing intercession, implore Christ God for health, prosperity, salvation, victory over enemies, and the blessing of God for the Orthodox rulers.
Again bowing down, we earnestly pray that you ask the Lord for all that is beneficial in this temporary life, and especially what is necessary for eternal salvation, so that we may be vouchsafed by your prayers to receive a Christian end, without illness, unashamed, peaceful, and to be delivered from the deceptions of the devil and eternal torments, that we may become heirs of the boundless and blessed Kingdom of Heaven.
And you, pleasing ones of God, do not cease to pray for those who approach you with faith; even if, by the multitude of our sins, we are not worthy of your mercy, being true imitators of God’s love for mankind, grant that we may bear fruit worthy of repentance and reach eternal repose, praising and blessing the Lord and God and our Savior Jesus Christ, wondrous in His saints, and His Most Pure Mother, and your fervent protection, now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
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Source: Magazin Novosti, Photo: SPC