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The Station is at the church of Sts. Cosmas and Damian, physicians. These martyrs were twin brothers originating from Arabia. They practiced medicine in Aegea, Cilicia, but accepted no money from the poor. Their beautiful Christian lives edified the pagans and converted many to the Faith. They were arrested in the persecution of Diocletian, subjected to torture, and finally beheaded.

Interior of Saints Cosmas and Damian

Day XXIII. Thursday, Week III.

"I am the Savior of all people, says the Lord. Whatever their trouble, I will answer their cry, and I will always be their Lord" (Entrance Antiphon for today).

Santi Cosma e Damiano. Saints Cosmas and Damian were twins and doctors in Syria. They were known for their charity to the point they were nicknamed "the moneyless ones". Because of their charity, they were accused of being Christian. They were tortured before being beheaded (c. 303).

Today's church was once a temple built by Vespasian (69-79) in the Roman Forum. The apse mosaic (526-530) of Christ coming on clouds of glory from the East is one of the finest in Rome and has formed the model of most of the subsequent mosaics throughout the world. The other image is of Christ, the Lamb of God, standing on the hill from which the four rivers of Paradise flow, drawing sheep (the 12 apostles) from Bethlehem and Jerusalem. more photos >

Mosaic at Santi Cosma e Damiano of Christ

Day XXIII. Thursday, Week III.

Photo: The apse mosaic (526-530) of Christ coming on clouds of glory from the East is one of the finest in Rome and has formed the model of most of the subsequent mosaics throughout the world.