Holy Unmercenaries (Greek: Άγιοι Ανάργυροι) literally the "ones without silver or money" is an epithet applied to a number of Christian saints who did not accept payment for good deeds of compassion and care for the sick and destitute.
Honor a physician with the honor due unto him for the uses which ye may have of him: for the Lord hath created him. For of the most High cometh healing, and he shall receive honor of the king. The skill of the physician shall lift up his head: and in the sight of great men he shall be in admiration.
The Lord hath created medicines out of the earth; and he that is wise will not abhor them.
Was not the water made sweet with wood, that the virtue thereof might be known? And he hath given men skill, that he might be honored in his marvelous works. With such doth he heal men, and taketh away their pains. Of such doth the apothecary make a confection; and of his works there is no end; and from him is peace over all the earth, My son, in thy sickness be not negligent: but pray unto the Lord, and he will make thee whole. Leave off from sin, and order thine hands aright, and cleanse thy heart from all wickedness. Give a sweet savor, and a memorial of fine flour; and make a fat offering, as not being.
Then give place to the physician, for the Lord hath created him: let him not go from thee, for thou hast need of him.
There is a time when in their hands there is good success. For they shall also pray unto the Lord, that he would prosper that, which they give for ease and remedy to prolong life. He that sinneth before his Maker, let him fall into the hand of the physician.” Wisdom Sirach 38:1-15
“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.”
Matthew 10:8
+ Glory to God for All Things +
Holy Unmercenary Healers
Christian physicians, comprised of holy men and women, who, in conspicuous opposition to the medical practice of the day, tended to the sick free of charge, and most importantly, they attended to the curing of BOTH body and - especially the soul. They showed a Christ-like love for all, and they gave themselves for all. Let us emulate the Holy Unmercenary Healers, who for themselves wanted nothing, but out of love of God and their brothers and sisters, gave everything. May the Lord grant this to us. Amen "...freely have you received - freely give..."
Sermon for the Synaxis of the Unmercenary Physicians (2016)
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