[2] Zenaida and Philonella were sisters, born into a well-educated Jewish family and said to be cousins of Paul the Apostle.

[2] They were instructed and baptized into the Christian faith by their brother Jason, who was bishop of their native city of Tarsus.

The physicians who practiced there catered to the wealthy, charging exorbitant amounts for their services, and augmented their incomes with the sale of magical amulets and charms.

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.

[3] According to another, both met peaceful ends, with Philonella surviving her sister by some years, deepening her spiritual devotion and becoming known as a wonderworker.