Who is St. Photini?

St. Photini is the Samaritan woman who met Christ at the well where she accepted the “living water” and subsequently transformed her life. She is considered among the first to spread the Gospel of Christ. Her faith was so influential that her sisters and sons also became devout evangelists. Upon being baptized, she was named Photini, translating to "the enlightened one."

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Following the martyrdom of several apostles, Photini and her family relocated from Samaria to Carthage to continue their evangelistic efforts. However, during the reign of Emperor Nero, Christians faced intense persecution. Photini's son, Victor, who held a high position in the Roman army, was pressured by Nero to arrest fellow Christians. Instead, Victor chose to spread the Christian faith. Photini herself successfully converted Nero’s daughter, among others. 

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Nero's response was harsh, and he subjected Photini, her family, and other Christians to severe torture. Yet, miraculously, many of them healed from their afflictions and even managed to convert those who were assigned to torment them. Eventually, St. Photini met her end when Nero ordered her to be thrown into a well, leading to her passing in 66 AD. Her steadfast faith remained evident throughout her life, even amidst adversity.