Equal-to-the-Apostles and Great Martyr
Saint Photini the Samaritan Woman
At a glance
- Feast
- February 26
- Region
- Samaria & Carthage
- Virtues
- evangelism, courage, zeal
Tags
After meeting Christ at Jacob’s Well and hearing of the living water, Photini left her jar and ran to proclaim the Messiah. Tradition holds that she, her sisters, and her sons traveled as missionaries, boldly preaching the Gospel.
Brought before Emperor Nero, Photini refused to renounce Christ despite torture. Her courage and miracles converted many, including the emperor’s daughter Domnina, before she received the crown of martyrdom.
Her witness reminds Orthodox faithful that Christ transforms shame into boldness and that every encounter with Him is meant to overflow in evangelism.
Troparion
The holy martyr Photini, like a great sun, illumines the Church with the rays of her struggles. By her prayers, O Christ God, have mercy on us.
Kontakion
Illumined by the Holy Spirit, you drank with great fervor the water of salvation. With your holy works you irrigated the parched earth, O venerable and glorious Photini, and the chorus of apostles recognized you as truly equal to them.
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