Lives of the Saints Celebrated on July 1
Holy and Wonderworking Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian, brothers, Martyrs at Rome (284):
Saints Cosmas and Damian were twin brothers born in Arabia and renowned as skilled physicians who practiced their art without accepting any payment, hence called “Unmercenaries.” They devoted their lives to healing the sick and suffering, both physically and spiritually, through faith in Christ. Their fame spread widely, and many came to them not only for medical treatment but also for spiritual guidance. During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian, they were arrested and brought to trial. Despite severe tortures, they steadfastly confessed Christ and refused to renounce their faith or cease their charitable work. They were ultimately beheaded in Rome around 284 AD, receiving the crown of martyrdom. Their relics and memory inspired numerous miracles, and they became patrons of physicians and healers throughout Christendom.
Holy 2000 Martyrs, by the sword:
This large group of faithful Christians suffered martyrdom for Christ in an unspecified persecution where they were brutally executed by the sword. Their witness stands as a testament to the courage and unity of Christians who faced death rather than deny their faith. The exact historical details of their lives remain scant, but their memory is honored for their collective sacrifice and steadfastness in the face of overwhelming violence.
Holy 25 Martyrs in Nicomedia, by fire:
During a fierce persecution in Nicomedia, 25 Christians were condemned to death by fire for refusing to worship pagan gods and renounce their Christian faith. Their martyrdom was marked by extraordinary courage and faith, and they became a beacon of hope and spiritual strength for the Christian community enduring trials under Roman oppression.
Saint Maurice:
Saint Maurice was the commander of the legendary Theban Legion, an elite unit of Christian soldiers from Egypt serving in the Roman army during the 3rd century. When ordered by Emperor Maximian to persecute Christians, Maurice and his legion refused, declaring their loyalty to Christ above all earthly powers. For this act of defiance, the entire legion was executed, probably in the region of the Swiss Alps. Saint Maurice is revered as a model of Christian soldierly virtue and martyrdom, and he became a patron saint of soldiers and the protector of many European military orders.
