What happens when Greco-Roman Pagans Become Christians…

1. What happens when Greco-Roman Pagans Become Christians…

2. “syncretism”—a term used to describe the mixing of two or more distinct religious systems • “hybridity”—a terms used in post-colonial theory to talk about the way there is inevitable mixing of socio-cultural pattersn and values when two or more cultures clash in a colonial structure

3. Cosmas and Damian • Twin brothers born in Arabia circa 250’s CE • Studied medicine and as such were trained physicians • Traveled the towns and villages of Arabia preaching the Christian faith and curing people (and animals!) through Christ’s power • Noted because they refused to take any payment

4. Cosmas and Damian • Roman Emperor Diocletian (284-305) is noted for the most severe persecution of Christianity in the pre-Christian Roman empire (this changes after Emperor Constantine converts in 313) • Cosmans and Damian came to the Kili region of Asia Minor (present day Turkey) and are persecuted by the prefect Lisius • Arrested, tortured in an attempt to make them renounce their faith, and eventaully beheaded in 303.

5. Cosmas and Damian • Their bodies buried in the Syrian town of Kir • Miraculous cures begin to be associated with their relics • Emperor Justian (527-565) rebuilds and decorates their church in Constantinople • This church becomes a pilgrimage site • Cosmas and Damian become revered as the patron saints of doctors and sometimes are depicted on medical emblems

6. Cosmas and Damian • To receive cures, patients spend one or more nights in the church • They receive either a saintly vision or advice from the saints in the morning • Their healing “specialty” seems to be sickness of the glands, stomach, and infectious diseases