Dear Garth,
Butler does not give any indication about the dates of these saints. The
*Catholic Encyclopedia* provides the following info:
The execution took place 27 September, probably in the year 287. At a
later date a number of fables grew up about them, connected in part with
their relics. The remains of the martyrs were buried in the city of Cyrus
in Syria: the emperor Justinian I (527-565) sumptuously restored the city
in their honour. Having been cured of a dangerous illness by the
intercession of Cosmas and Damian, Justinian in gratitude for their aid
rebuilt and adorned their church at Constantinople, and it became a
celebrated place for pilgrimage. At Rome Pope Felix IV (526-530) erected a
church in their honour, the mosaics of which are still among the most
valuable art-remains of the city. The Greek Church celebrates the feast of
saints Cosmas and Damian on 1 July, 17 October, and 1 November, and
venerates three pairs of saints of the same name and profession. Cosmas
and Damian are regarded as the patrons of physicians and surgeons and are
sometimes represented with medical emblems. (*CE* vol. 4 pp. 4030-404)
Yours,
Carolyn
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