Zenaida, Philonella, and Hermione: Healers and Physicians

When the tensions in Haiti are minimal, I run an annual medical clinic at St. Marc’s Episcopal School in one of the most remote places in the country. Each year, I recruit doctors to join me on the trip by first asking, “Would you be interested in going to Haiti to volunteer for our annual medical clinic?” When I receive a yes, I reply with the following “Thank you so much. It will cost you $2500 and please bring your own medical supplies enough to serve 300 to 400 people.”

One would think that this pitch to recruit doctors to go to a remote place in Haiti where there is neither plumbing nor electricity, and requires a 4-hour hike into the mountains would yield a negative response. One would think that I have a difficult time of recruiting doctors. Well one would think, but as counterintuitive as it is, I receive positive responses and sometimes need to put doctors on a wait list for future opportunities.

There are good people in the world who desire to make a difference. Also, many of them make a difference at great personal costs. The Church honors such people and sets them aside as holy. Today we honor and celebrate three doctors and healers, Zenaida, Philonella, and Hermione, who used their intelligence and training to serve the sick and poor.

Zenaida and Philonella were sisters whose medical practice was countercultural. Unlike fellow first century physicians, they served the poor and treated people’s illnesses without requiring payment. They discovered a cave with a mineral spring that became vital to their ministry. There the sisters built a chapel and cells for themselves, then opened a medical clinic to treat all who came to them regardless of their ability to pay.

The two sisters soon developed individual specialties in the field of medicine. Philonella devoted herself to experimental medicine, using an approach that reflects the scientific method. She worked hard to separate effective medicine from superstition. Zenaida was particularly interested in pediatrics. Both sisters devoted their lives to prayer when not working in their clinic.

Hermione was the daughter of Philip the Deacon. Inspired by the gospel, she studied the philosophy of medicine in Caesarea. She purchased a house and founded a medical clinic  devoted to the treatment of the poor and homeless. Since she added rooms for the homeless and poor travelers who were ill, she in essence established one of the first hospitals. She treated their physical ailments while nourishing them with the gospel. Sadly, all three women paid the ultimate price for their service to humankind and to God by suffering martyrdom.

Today we lift these three women up as examples for ourselves and for our children to follow. We can emulate their example by using our skills, wisdom, and love to serve God and neighbor. Sometimes, as with the doctors who accompany me to Haiti, these acts may come at a personal cost. However, if we rely on the grace of God, then we can accomplish great acts of charity like Zenaida, Philonella, and Hermione.