Zenaida and Philonella
Zenaida and Philonella | |
|---|---|
| Died | c. 100 near Demetriada, Thessaly (modern-day Greece) |
| Venerated in | Eastern Orthodoxy Anglican Communion |
| Feast | October 11 (Eastern Orthodox) April 14 (Episcopal Church) |
Saints Zenaida (Zenaida of Tarsus) 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
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.
Traditions vary about their deaths. According to one account, the two were
They are commemorated on October 11 in Eastern Orthodoxy and on April 14 with
The name of Zenaida is derived from the Greek: Ζηναις, Zenais, "of Zeus".[5] Her becoming a Christian in general and a venerated saint in particular assured this name's continued use in Christian countries, its pagan origin forgotten.
References
- ^ 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. Archived from the original on 2009-10-22. Retrieved 2007-10-23.
- ^ ISBN 1-56619-516-0.
- ^ a b "Martyr Zenaida (Zenais) of Tarsus, in Cilicia". Retrieved 2007-10-23.
- ISBN 978-1-64065-234-7.
- ^ Behind the Name: Zenaida Zinaida
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