Martyr · 1st century
Photini
Martyr Photini the Samaritan Woman
New Calendar March 20 Old Calendar April 2
Why they are a saint
The Samaritan woman of John 4; tradition says she was baptized Photini ('light') and later martyred with her sons in Rome. The years given for this life are 1st century. The faithful honor that confession sealed with blood. The New Calendar feast is March 20.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Traditionally asked to pray for samaritan woman, those who evangelize. The reason for this custom is not recorded here.
Prayer
O holy Photini, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.