Saint Photini the Samaritan Woman

A life of faith

Orthodox tradition identifies Photini with the Samaritan woman who spoke with Christ at Jacob’s well in John’s Gospel. That encounter led her to tell others about the person she had met. Her traditional later life describes preaching in Carthage and a confession of Christ before Nero, together with members of her family and other believers. The Church honors her as a martyr whose witness grew from a personal encounter with the Savior. Her story challenges the assumption that a difficult past or an unexpected social position prevents someone from receiving grace and bringing hope to others.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

Read John 4 without reducing the woman to her past. Notice Christ’s attention to her questions, and consider one honest conversation through which you could offer hope.

Read the Orthodox source

Feast dates follow the linked source. Local calendars and commemorations may vary. Themes describe a saint’s life; quiz suggestions do not assign a baptismal patron. Discuss choosing a patron saint with your priest.