Zenaida and Philonella

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Zeniada and Philonella
Unmercenary healers, martyrs
Born Tarsus, Cilicia
Died c. 100, near Demetriada, Thessaly
Venerated in Eastern Orthodoxy
Feast October 11
Saints Portal

Saints Zenaida and Philonella (d. circa 100) were traditionally the first Christian physicians after Luke the Evangelist, and the first "unmercenaries" (physicians who would not accept fees from their patients).[1] They are particularly venerated in Eastern Christianity[2]

Zenaida and Philonella were sisters, born into a well-educated Jewish family and said to be cousins of Paul the Apostle.[2] They were instructed and baptized into the Christian faith by their brother Jason, who was bishop of their native city of Tarsus. On entering the philosophical academy at Tarsus, they devoted themselves to the study of medicine, and when they completed their studies moved to the mountains around Pelion near Demetriada[3] in Thessaly. This was a region renowned for its healing springs and shrines to Asclepius. The physicians who practiced there catered to the wealthy, charging exorbitant amounts for their services, and augmented their incomes with the sale of magical amulets and charms.[1]

The sisters set themselves in opposition to the prevailing custom. On locating a cave with a mineral spring, they set up a chapel and cells for themselves, and opened a clinic where they treated all who came to them regardless of their ability to pay.[1]

Philonella devoted herself to experimental medicine, using methods approaching that of modern scientific methods, and worked hard to separate effective medicine from superstition.[1] Zenaida was particularly interested in pediatrics. Toward the end of her life paid particular attention to the treatment of psychiatric disorders, including clinical depression.[1] Both sisters devoted their lives to prayer when they were not working in their clinic.

Traditions vary about their deaths. According to one account, the two were stoned to death by pagans on the same night.[3] According to another, both met peaceful ends, with Philonella surviving her sister by some years, deepening her spiritual devotion and becoming known as a wonderworker.[1]

They are commemorated on October 11.

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Puhalo, Lazar. The Holy Unmercenary Physicians Zeniada and Philonella, the Friends of Peace. Lives of the Female Unmercenary Saints. Retrieved on 2007-10-23.
  2. ^ a b Engelbert, Omer (1994). The Lives of the Saints. New York: Barnes & Noble Publishing, pp. 386-387. ISBN 1566195160. 
  3. ^ a b Martyr Zenaida (Zenais) of Tarsus, in Cilicia. Retrieved on 2007-10-23.
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