The Holy Unmercenary Physicians (Fiorenzo) - S701

Born in Tarsus during the first century to a prominent Jewish family, Zenaida and Philonella came to faith in Christ through the Apostle Paul, who was a close relative.  The sisters shared a deep interest in medical practice and studied to become physicians. After completing the extent of medical training available at the time, they moved to Thessaly, and here began treating patients of their own. They were known as unmercenary healers for their generosity in treating those with diseases, even when they were not paid for their services.

Their decease is not agreed upon by all sources. While some recount their martyrdom by pagans in the surrounding area who sought to stop their flourishing practice out of malice and envy, other sources record that the sisters died peacefully in their old age.

Saint Hermione’s life, while parallel in many regards to Zenaida and Philonella, took place elsewhere. She was born in Palestine in the early first century as well, being the daughter of St Philip-- a deacon recorded in Acts.  Like the two sisters, Hermione was drawn to ministering as a doctor of both body and spirit. She went on to establish the first Christian hospital-hostel, a shelter for travelers who were ill and in need of rest. After a long life full of service to God she was martyred for her faith, to which she held to steadfastly.

Zenaida and Philonella are commemorated on October 11, and Hermione’s feast day is September 4.

Painted by the hand of iconographer Mark Fiorenzo, this icon follows in the traditions of generations of iconographers and serves as a ‘window to heaven’ and a support for prayer. It is faithfully reproduced from premium materials in the Legacy Icons woodshop in Zeeland, Michigan.