Anargyri

ANÀRGIRI. – This is what the Greek Church calls the saints who, according to hagiographical writings, practised medicine without remuneration (hence “anargiri,” without money). In the Byzantine rite of the preparation of the oblations, mention is made of the “holy wonderworkers a. Cosmas and Damian, Cyrus and John, Pantaleon and Hermolaus, and all the holy a.”; in practice, however, the title is reserved for ss. Cosmas and Damian, who are the a. par excellence (v. COSMA E DAMIANO, SANTI, MARTIRI).