St Photina

 St. Photina (also known as Photini, Svetlana, or the Samaritan Woman at the Well) is traditionally identified as the woman Jesus met at Jacob's Well, as recounted in the Gospel of John. Following her conversion, she is celebrated in both Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions as an evangelist and martyr who died in the 1st Century. 

Feast Day: March 20 (Roman Martyrology)
Name Meaning: "The enlightened one"
Commemoration: Considered equal to the Apostles 

Biography and Tradition

• The Encounter at the Well: According to John 4:5-42, she was a Samaritan who spoke with Jesus about "living water" and recognized Him as the Messiah.
• Evangelism: Tradition holds that she was baptized at Pentecost, went by the name Photina, and spread the Gospel in various regions.
• Missionary Work: She is said to have traveled with her sons (Joseph and Victor) and sisters (Photis, Parasceve, Cyriaca) to Carthage in North Africa to preach.
• Martyrdom in Rome: According to tradition, Photina later went to Rome to confront Emperor Nero, allegedly converting his daughter Domnina and a hundred servants. Due to her faith, she and her family were imprisoned and subjected to brutal torture. Accounts report they were thrown into a dry well after her skin was flayed, where she eventually died, likely around 66 AD.
• Relics: The head of St. Photina is said to be venerated in Rome at the Church of St. Paul Outside the Walls, while some traditions place it at the Grigoriou Monastery on Mount Athos. 

Key Characteristics: She is revered as a model of courageous faith and "living water" (grace).