A book of prayers to the physicians, Sts. Kosma and Damian was presented in Lviv

Recently the heads of the eparchial Commissions of the UGCC on Pastoral Health Care, under the patronage of Saints Kosma and Damian,  held a meeting in Lviv during which a new prayer book was presented, Prayers for healing to the physicians, Saints Kosma and Damian. The book was presented by its editor, Ivan Smereka.  He told the audience about the first saint physicians - Kosma and Damian.  According to him, researchers distinguish three pairs of these saints: Kilikians, Roman and Asian   In fact, the Roman brothers studied medicine from their youth and were tried.  The Asian Kosma and Damian are especially revered in Western Ukraine and known there for their free medical care for needy people as well as for animals. The Kilikian saint physicians were tried for not revering the pagan gods.  In Mr. Ivan’s opinion, the main point is that in their lives Kosma and  Damian unite aspects of excellence as both Christians and physicians. The book, prepared by a group of priests of the Basilian Order, was published in Rome.  The prayerbook contains: Moleben Services to these saints, tropari and stykhyry (taken from the Service to the Saints)  as well as a Deviatnytsia to the saints (9 days prayer)  and reciting the rosary with reflections.  Towards the end of the book there is a chapter of everyday prayers, among them, the Nicean Creed, which “reflects the tradition and spirit of UGCC;” prayer of a medical worker, of a physician, a nurse; prayer at old age; prayer for the ill.  This book will be useful for personal use as well as in group praying. “This prayer book will be especially handy for those who are in locations where there is no medical chaplain to celebrate the Liturgy.  Kosma and Damian are the patron saints of physicians as well as ther models.  In addition to becoming versatile in the art of healing, they were also excellent Christians who fulfilled their vocation to follow God,” stressed Rev. Andriy Login, the commission’s head.

Information Department UGCC