Icon of Saint Svetlana (Photina). Personalized icons of Svetlana Photinia, which icon of the Mother of God is needed

Not all bearers of the beautiful Russian name Svetlana know that they have as many as three heavenly patrons who bore this name, only in the Greek version - Photinia. In Orthodoxy, the icon of Photinia is revered along with the icons of other great martyrs and ascetics who proved in word and deed their loyalty to Christ and his teaching.

St. Photinia the Samaritan

We learn about this woman from the Gospel of John, which describes such a seemingly insignificant episode from the earthly life of Jesus.

You need to know that the Jews, to whom Jesus belonged, and the Samaritans were extremely hostile to each other, and communication between them was completely excluded. That is why the young woman (and it was Photinia), who approached the well, was extremely surprised when Jesus turned to her with a request for a drink. John the Evangelist describes it this way:

The Samaritan woman said to Him: How can You, being a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink? for Jews do not communicate with Samaritans. Jesus answered her: if you knew the gift of God and Who says to you: Give Me a drink, then you yourself would ask Him, and He would give you living water

Imagine Photinia’s shock when He told her about all her sins (and there were many of them) and preached His teaching to her. This convinced Photinia that the Savior was before her, and, returning to Samaria, she proclaimed this good news, after which many Samaritans believed that the Messiah had finally appeared and became his followers.

This meeting completely turned Photinia’s life upside down. She went to Carthage in northern Africa and became a selfless preacher of the teachings of Christ, without fear of persecution from the pagans.

Miracle of Photinia in Rome

In Rome, which conquered Judea and imposed its own rules there, Emperor Nero reigned at that time, mercilessly persecuting adherents of the True Faith. When the apostles Paul and Peter were executed, Jesus, having returned to His Heavenly Father, appeared to Photinia in a dream and ordered him to go to Rome, to Nero himself, and preach the Word of God there.

In carrying out this mission, Photinia was accompanied by five more sisters. The ascetics were immediately captured, and Nero ordered their hands to be cut off. But the Lord protected his faithful children: no matter how much the guards tried to carry out the cruel order, every blow was reflected on themselves, and the wounds that they still managed to inflict immediately disappeared.

Then Nero, knowing about the asceticism of Christians, decided to change tactics and prepared a real temptation for the ascetics. They were settled in a palace, served by a hundred slaves, and fed with exquisite dishes. Next to them was Domina, daughter of Nero. When the emperor came 40 days later to see if the women had renounced their faith, he discovered that all the slaves and his daughter had converted to the Christian faith.

Martyrdom of Photinia

By order of the angry Nero, Photinia and her associates were flayed alive and thrown into a dry well. A few days later, when Photinia was taken out of there, her wounds healed under the care of the Lord, to whom she continually prayed, and she was still strong in her faith. Then they threw her into prison, and when 20 days later they brought her to Nero and he again demanded that she bow before the pagan idols, she simply spat in his face. Then the martyr was again thrown into the well, where she died. Subsequently, her relics were transported to Crete, to a nunnery bearing her name.

How does the icon of Photinia help?

For those who are not firm in their faith and need to be strengthened, the icon “St. Photinia” will become a spiritual support and will help overcome sinful temptations. In Rus' it was sometimes called the “Saint Svetlana” icon. In Orthodoxy, the icon of Photinia is considered the patroness of mental and physical health, family and mutual understanding between its different generations. They pray to the icon of the Great Martyr Svetlana for healing from fever, skin diseases, and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, and cases of such miraculous healings are indeed known.

St. Photinia of Palestine

Another Christian ascetic named Photinia, who lived in the 5th century, was from Caesarea in Palestine. One day, the ship she was sailing on was wrecked during a storm. Photinia was the only one who managed to escape by clinging to the board.

She was thrown onto a rocky island, where Blessed Martinian led a hermit’s life of fasting and prayer. He saw in the salvation of Photinia God's providence, began to preach the teachings of Christ to her and converted her to the true faith, after which she left the island. Photinia decided to stay and continue the ascetic feat of the hermit. Three times a year food was delivered to her by ship, but she continued to fast and pray. When the ascetic died six years later, her ashes were transported to her native Caesarea and buried there.

If we touch on the meaning, then the icon “Photinia of Palestine” is considered the patroness of sailors; it helps in gaining faith, strengthening mental and physical health.

A thousand years later, in the 15th century, the feat of Photinia of Palestine was repeated by Photinia of Cyprus. Coming from a pious family, she already in her youth decided to devote her life to serving Christ and become a hermit. Living in a cave, she devoted herself to fasting and prayers. For her ascetic lifestyle, God's grace descended on her, and Photinia acquired the ability to miraculously perform healings.

More on these soon miraculous healings became known not only in Cyprus, but also beyond its borders. People began to flock to Photinia to receive advice and guidance from her, to maintain spiritual strength and strengthen their faith. Her relics are currently in the Church of the Apostle Andrew.

If you have a relative or friend named Svetlana, then the best gift for her there will be an icon “Svetlana (Photinia)”. Such an icon for Svetlana will become both a protector and an example of the power of faith. It doesn’t matter which of the three saints the “Svetlana” icon will be, the main thing is that it is there, and the bearer of this name knows about the feat of her three patronesses.

Svetlana celebrates her name day three times a year, on the day of remembrance of each of the saints:

• St. Photinia the Samaritan – April 2
• St. Photinia of Palestine – February 26
• St. Photinia of Cyprus – August 2

Prayer to the Holy Martyr Photinia

Oh, Holy Martyr Photino. Immensely inspired by love for Christ, you have shown courage, patience and great strength with your sisters, sons and those enlightened by you. She preached the Gospel of Christ with boldness, and Christ appeared to you and everyone who was with you, and to everyone in the futuretorment strengthened and comforted. Having come to Rome and fearlessly confessing Christ, you were imprisoned and endured much torment, thrown into a well, and betrayed your soul to the Lord. Hear us, Saint Photino, who shone forth with spiritual beauty and unceasingly and unceasingly, in prison and in cities, to the faith in Christlecturing. Hear us, looking at us sinners and with the grace of Christ heal those who are sick with fever, so that the rain of sin will not sprinkle them, but in mental and physical health they will spend their lives without weakening in good deeds and glorify the Lord of all, the Father of bounties, the Merciful God, in all ages. Amen.

One day the Savior passed through the land of Samaria, preaching the Gospel. To rest and recuperate, He stopped near the town of Sychar. At the same time, a Samaritan woman approached the well for water. Her name was Photinia.

Christ asked her for water, to which Photinia, amazed, asked how He, being a Jew, asked for water from a Samaritan woman, because Jews and Samaritans did not communicate in those days. The Savior answered her: “If you knew the gift of God and Who says to you: Give Me a drink, then you yourself would ask Him, and He would give you living water.” Photinia did not immediately understand Him, but Christ said to her: “Everyone drinking water this he will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst; But the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into eternal life.”

In his words, the Lord meant Himself and His teaching by “living water,” but Photinia decided that we were talking about fresh running water. At the same time, Jesus Christ told her about her life filled with sin, and the woman recognized Him as the Great Prophet and Teacher. She began to ask Him: who worships God correctly: the Samaritans or the Jews? To which Jesus answered her: “The time will come and has already come when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is looking for such worshipers for Himself. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth. The woman says to Him: I know that the Messiah will come, that is, Christ; when He comes, He will tell us everything. Jesus says to her, “It is I who speak to you.” After this conversation, Saint Photinia rushed to the city, where she told many about her meeting with Christ. Together with her, many more Samaritans believed in Him.

Thus Saint Photinia became one of Christ’s devoted disciples, who preached the Gospel in many corners of the world.

Miracle-working words: Martyr Photinia’s prayer in full description from all the sources we found.

Oh, holy martyr Photinia! Immensely inspired by love for Christ, you have shown courage, patience and great strength with your sisters, sons and those enlightened by you. She preached the Gospel of Christ with boldness, and by appearing to you and everyone who was with you, Christ strengthened and comforted everyone for the coming torment. Having come to Rome and fearlessly confessed Christ, you were imprisoned, and having endured much torment, you were thrown into a well, and you betrayed your soul to the Lord.

Hear us, Saint Photinia, who shone with spiritual beauty and constantly and incessantly taught people faith in Christ, in prison and in cities. Hear us, looking at us sinners, and with the grace of Christ heal those who are sick with fever, so that the rain of sin will not sprinkle them, but in mental and physical health they will spend their lives unremittingly in good deeds and glorify the Lord of all, the Father of bounties, the Merciful God, in all ages. Amen.

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Prayer of Venerable Photinia of Palestine

Saint Photinia of Palestine patronizes women named Svetlana. People turn to her in all sorts of everyday needs: illnesses, family troubles, unfavorable material circumstances, when there is absolutely no means of subsistence; before a trip, the saint helps to avoid problems along the way. Travelers who go on vacation at sea order a prayer service to Photinia so that trouble does not happen on the water.

A personal icon of Saint Svetlana is always an appropriate gift for women who bear this airy name. Especially the image made of beads. In the fire of a candle or in the shimmer of sunlight, the image on the icon becomes especially enchanting.

Prayer to Saint Photinia

Oh, Holy Martyr Photino. Immensely inspired by love for Christ, you have shown courage, patience and great strength with your sisters, sons and those enlightened by you.

She preached the Gospel of Christ with boldness, and by appearing to you and everyone who was with you, Christ strengthened and comforted everyone for the coming torment.

Having come to Rome and fearlessly confessing Christ, you were imprisoned and endured much torment, thrown into a well, and betrayed your soul to the Lord.

Hear us, Saint Photino, who shone with spiritual beauty and constantly and incessantly taught people faith in Christ, in prison and in cities.

Hear us, looking at us sinners and with the grace of Christ heal those who are sick with fever, so that the rain of sin will not sprinkle them, but in mental and physical health they will spend their lives without weakening in good deeds and glorify the Lord of all, the Father of bounties, the Merciful God, in all ages. Amen.

Venerable Photinia of Palestine

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Prayer to the icon Recovering the dead

Holy Martyr Photinia

The holy martyr Photinia (Svetlana) was the same Samaritan woman with whom the Savior talked at Jacob’s well. During the time of Emperor Nero in Rome, in 65, who showed extreme cruelty in the fight against Christianity, Saint Photinia lived with her children in Carthage and fearlessly preached the Gospel there. In 2004, with the blessing of Bishop Philip of Poltava, a particle of the relics of this holy martyr was transferred to our church.

Prayer to the Holy Martyr Photinia

 Oh, Holy Martyr Photino. Immensely inspired by love for Christ, you have shown courage, patience and great strength with your sisters, sons and those enlightened by you. She preached the Gospel of Christ with boldness, and by appearing to you and everyone who was with you, Christ strengthened and comforted everyone for the coming torment. Having come to Rome and fearlessly confessing Christ, you were imprisoned and endured much torment, thrown into a well, and betrayed your soul to the Lord. Hear us, Saint Photino, who shone with spiritual beauty and constantly and incessantly taught people faith in Christ, in prison and in cities. Hear us, looking at us sinners and with the grace of Christ heal those who are sick with fever, so that the rain of sin will not sprinkle them, but in mental and physical health they will spend their lives without weakening in good deeds and glorify the Lord of all, the Father of bounties, the Merciful God, in all ages. Amen.

Troparion to the Martyr, tone 4

Your Lamb, Jesus, Photinia, calls with a great voice: I love You, my Bridegroom, and, seeking You, I suffer, and am crucified, and I am buried in Your baptism, and I suffer for Your sake, for I reign in You, and I die for You, yes and I live with You: but, as an immaculate sacrifice, accept me, sacrificed to You with love. With your prayers, as if you are merciful, save our souls.

Kontakion to the Martyr, tone 2

Your all-honorable temple, as if you have found spiritual healing, all the faithful cry out loudly to you: virgin martyr Photinia, most famous, pray to Christ God unceasingly for all of us.

Glorification of the martyr

We magnify you, passion-bearer of Christ Photinia, and honor your honest suffering, which you endured for Christ.

Saint Photinia: icon, prayer, day of the angel

The history of the Orthodox religion knows many examples of people who suffered severe hardships and torment for the sake of spirituality and affirmation of faith. One of these is Photinia, a saint who preached Christianity at the dawn of its path, during times of severe persecution. The famous ascetic has repeatedly demonstrated the miracles of prayer and converted thousands of people to faith. Believers still turn to her image with requests for help and healing from serious illnesses.

Parable of Living Water

There is a chapter in the Gospel of John that tells about Christ’s meeting with the Samaritan woman. In those distant times, Jews and Samaritans (settlers from Mesopotamia) lived in cold hostility. Preaching the Gospel, Jesus traveled through the Samaritan lands. Stopping near the city of Sychar, he wanted to drink water from Jacob's well. Just at that moment a young woman approached. It was Photinia (angel day - April 2, new style). Christ asked her for help, which greatly surprised the woman, because he was a Jew. Jesus answered her that if she knew who she was talking to, she would have asked Him for living water, which would become the source of eternal life. Christ spoke about the Christian faith. He also told the details of her life, pointed out her sins, and Photinia immediately recognized Him as a prophet. She returned to the city of Samaria and told everyone about the coming of the Savior, after which many Samaritans believed in the Messiah and turned to the Christian faith.

Emperor Nero

After this significant meeting, Photinia (Svetlana) went to Carthage (North Africa) to preach Christianity there. Despite the persecution of the pagans, she did this openly, fearlessly and selflessly. When the apostles Paul and Peter were killed, Jesus appeared to her in a dream and ordered her to go to Rome, to Emperor Nero, to continue the spiritual path of her predecessors. Together with five sisters, the ascetic set about fulfilling the mission. At that time there was severe persecution of Christians in Rome. Arriving at the palace, Photinia and her sisters were captured by the pagans. Nero ordered the women's hands to be cut off. But no matter how hard the guards tried, they could not do this; they themselves fell to the ground, writhing in pain. And the wounds that they managed to inflict on them immediately disappeared.

Temptation of Photinia

Then the cunning and arrogant Nero, not wanting to believe in Christ, decided to tempt Photinia and her companions. He settled her in the palace, treated her to delicious, exquisite dishes, and surrounded her with a hundred slaves to serve her. The emperor’s daughter, Domina, was also there. Forty days later, he visited Photinia and was very surprised when he learned that all the slaves around her, including his daughter, had converted to Christianity.

The enraged Nero ordered Photinia to be flayed and then thrown into a dry well. The same fate befell the sisters of the martyr. A few days later, Photinia was taken out of the well; she was still alive and did not renounce her faith. Then she was locked in prison for another 20 days. And again Nero summoned her to his palace, but even then he did not get her to bow down and accept paganism. Photinia just laughed and spat in his face. After which she was thrown into the well again.

This is how the martyr Photinia ended her earthly life. Before her death, the saint did not renounce Christ, amazing the pagans with miracles of prayer. She was numbered among the holy great martyrs, who still patronize those in need and those who doubt their faith.

The Gospel story about the meeting of the Savior and Photinia has been reflected more than once in fine arts. Examples are the fresco in the church house of Dura Europos, made around the 3rd century (only the figure of the Samaritan woman has survived to this day), and the mosaic in the Ravenna church of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo (around the 6th century).

The memory of Saint Svetlana lives on in icon painting. The most ancient icons depicting the martyr date back to the 19th century. It is believed that her images help people strengthen their spirit, overcome the temptations of sin, and gain the firmness of faith that Photinia once brought to the Samaritans. Her icon patronizes not only women named Svetlana, but also all those who suffer.

Saint Svetlana protects mental and physical health. Her image in the house is the key to a strong family, prosperity and understanding between generations, protection from evil intentions and deeds.

Christian legends claim that upon meeting the Savior, Saint Photinia received power over water element. Therefore, she managed to survive when she was thrown into a well by the Roman pagans, and heal people with fever. Saint Svetlana helps people with a similar illness.

Photinia had two sons - Josius (Joseph) and Victor. The first helped his mother in preaching the Gospel, the second was a Roman military commander. They also had hardships and temptations of faith in their lives. However, their mother’s wise guidance and prayer helped them overcome all this. Today, turning with sincere faith to the image of the great martyr, many mothers find consolation and resolution of problems with their children. Saint Photinia (prayer to her inspires believers, gives confidence in own strength) teaches not to be afraid of difficulties. Therefore, you can turn to her with prayer not only on the days of remembrance, but every day:

“Pray to God for me, holy saint of God, great martyr Photinia, as I diligently resort to you, an ambulance and prayer book for my soul.”

Miracles of Healing

There are cases when appeals to the image of Photinia helped to recover from serious diseases of the skin, musculoskeletal system, and to overcome fever. Today, her image reminds believers that they need to do good and believe with all their souls, despite all trials.

When the Roman executioners tortured the martyr, thanks to the power of prayer she remained unharmed, her wounds healed quickly and without a trace. With her life, Saint Photinia proved that miracles are possible when you believe in them and, with the power of faith, you create them yourself.

Holy places

The biblical story of the meeting of Christ and the Samaritan woman Photinia has real geographical confirmation. In Israel, one of the most beautiful and picturesque places that attracts thousands of pilgrims is Jacob's Well (Jacob). Next to it is an ancient temple, which was destroyed three times and rebuilt again. The well itself reaches 40 meters in depth. The water from it is considered healing.

The relics of Photinia the Samaritan woman are kept on the island of Crete, in the village of Fodele, in convent named after the great martyr. Streams of pilgrims flock here every year to strengthen their faith and ask for help in resolving spiritual problems.

On the territory of the CIS there are many churches of St. Photinia, where her Christian feat is revered and miraculous images are located. One of these is the Church of the Great Martyr in Dnepropetrovsk.

Photinia Palestine

In Christian sources there is a story about another ascetic of the faith with the name Photinia (angel day - February 26, new style). She was from Caesarea, so she received the prefix Palestine. During a storm, the ship on which she was sailing with other passengers was wrecked. Clinging to the board, Photinia was the only one who escaped and swam to the island where Blessed Martinian was in prayer and fasting. He converted the woman to the Christian faith and left the island. Three times a year a ship visited the island and brought food. Photinia of Palestine remained to live on the rock and continued Martinian’s asceticism. She spent six years in fasting and prayer, and then she died and was buried in her native Caesarea.

Saint Photinia (her life dates back to the 5th century) helps people find faith, improve mental and physical health, and also patronizes sailors.

Photinia Cyprus

There is another legend about Photinia of Cyprus. Her life dates back to approximately the 15th century. She was born in Karpasia (eastern Cyprus) into a pious family. In her youth, she decided to become the bride of Christ and left her father's house. Photinia settled in a cave, devoting herself to fasting and prayers. Soon the virgin was filled with the grace of God and began to perform miracles of healing. The news of this spread throughout the island and beyond. Many Christians turned to her for advice and to maintain spiritual strength.

Today, the cave in which Saint Photinia once labored is a place of pilgrimage. There is a throne and a deep spring in it, and the liturgy is read. Every new moon, water with a thin film of sand rises in the source. It is believed that water provides healing from many diseases, and sand is smeared on the eyes of the blind to gain insight. The cave is located near the Cypriot village of Agios Andronikos. And the relics of the ascetic herself are placed in the Church of the Apostle Andrew. The saint's memorial day falls on August 2 (new style).

Thus, there are three days a year when all Svetlanas celebrate their name day. But this is not an ordinary holiday, but a day of remembrance of the patron saint, deep in a spiritual sense. Here the matter is not limited to feasts and gifts. According to Christian tradition, on the day of St. Photinia-Svetlana, they go to church, confess, and partake of the Holy Mysteries. They also turn with a grateful prayer to the Lord and patroness.

Saint Photinia (Samaritan) is also remembered in the fifth week of Easter. At this time, the liturgy is read, prayers of thanks and praise are offered for the martyrdom in the name of the Christian faith.

Martyr Photina (Svetlana)

Samaritan woman ( Samaritan, Roman)

The holy martyr Photina was the same Samaritan woman with whom the Savior talked at Jacob’s well (John 4:5 – 42).

During the time of Emperor Nero (54 - 68), who showed extreme cruelty in the fight against Christianity, Saint Photina lived in Carthage with her youngest son Josiah and fearlessly preached the Gospel there. Her eldest son Victor bravely fought in the Roman troops against the barbarians and for his services was appointed military commander in the city of Attalia (Asia Minor).

The mayor of Attalia, Sebastian, when meeting with Saint Victor, told him: “I know for certain that you, your mother and your brother are followers of the teachings of Christ. But I advise you in a friendly way - submit to the will of the emperor, for this you will receive the property of the Christians whom you deliver to us. I will write to your mother and brother so that they do not preach Christ openly. Let them confess their faith in secret.” Saint Victor replied: “I myself want to be a preacher of Christianity, like my mother and brother.” To this Sebastian replied: “O Victor, we all know well what disasters await you, your mother and brother for this.” After these words, Sebastian suddenly felt a sharp pain in his eyes, his face changed and he became numb.

For three days he lay blind, without uttering a word. On the fourth day, he suddenly said loudly: “Only the faith of Christians is true, there is no other true faith!” Sebastian said to Saint Victor, who was nearby: “Christ is calling me.” Soon he was baptized and immediately received his sight. The servants of Saint Sebastian, witnesses of the miracle, were baptized following the example of their master.

Rumors about what had happened reached Nero, and he ordered the Christians to be brought to him for trial in Rome. Then the Lord Himself appeared to the confessors and said: “I will be with you, and Nero will be defeated, and all who serve him.” The Lord announced to Saint Victor: “From this day on, your name will be Photin - “Lighty,” for many, enlightened by you, will turn to Me.” The Lord encouraged Saint Sebastian: “Blessed is he who completes his feat to the end.” Saint Photina, informed by the Savior of the impending suffering, accompanied by several Christians, set off from Carthage to Rome and joined the confessors.

In Rome, the emperor ordered the saints to be brought to him and asked them whether they really believed in Christ. All confessors resolutely refused to renounce the Savior. Then the emperor ordered the hands of the holy martyrs to be crushed on an anvil. But during the torture, the confessors did not feel pain, and the hands of the martyr Photina remained unharmed. Nero ordered Saints Sebastian, Photinus and Josiah to be blinded and imprisoned, and Saint Photina with her five sisters - Anastasia, Photo, Photida, Paraskeva and Kyriacia - to be sent to the imperial palace under the supervision of Nero's daughter Domnina. But Saint Photina converted Domnina and all her slaves to Christ, who accepted holy Baptism. She also converted the sorcerer to Christ, who brought a poisoned drink to kill the confessors.

Three years passed, and Nero sent to prison for one of his servants who was imprisoned. The messengers informed him that Saints Sebastian, Photin and Josiah, who were blinded, became completely healthy, and they are constantly visited by people who listen to their preaching; the prison itself turned into a bright and fragrant place where God was glorified. Then Nero ordered the saints to be crucified upside down and beaten on their naked bodies with belts for three days. On the fourth day, the emperor sent servants to see if the martyrs were alive. But when they arrived at the place of torture, the messengers immediately became blind. At this time, the Angel of the Lord freed the martyrs and healed them. The saints took pity on the blind servants and, with their prayers to the Lord, restored their sight. Those who received their sight believed in Christ and were soon baptized.

In a helpless rage, Nero ordered to flay Saint Photina and throw the martyr into a well. The martyrs Sebastian, Photinus and Josiah had their legs cut off, thrown to dogs, and then flayed off. The sisters of Saint Photina also suffered terrible torments. Nero ordered their nipples to be cut off and then their skin to be torn off. The emperor, sophisticated in cruelty, prepared the most severe punishment Saint Photis: they tied her legs to the tops of two bent trees, which, straightening up, tore the martyr apart. The emperor ordered the rest to be beheaded. Saint Photina was pulled out of the well and imprisoned for 20 days.

After this, Nero called her to him and asked if she would now submit and make sacrifices to idols. Saint Photina spat in the emperor’s face and, laughing at him, said: “The most wicked blind, deluded and insane man! Do you really consider me so unreasonable that I would agree to renounce my Lord Christ and sacrifice to blind idols like you?!”

Hearing such words, Nero again ordered the martyr to be thrown into the well, where she gave up her spirit to the Lord.

Jacob's well where Jesus talked with the Samaritan woman is still located southeast of Shechem or Nablus, at the foot of Mount Gerizim.

A Greek church was erected above the well Orthodox church St. Photinia the Samaritan.

Memorial Day of Saint Photina, her sons, martyrs Victor, named Photinos, and Josiah; and sisters of the martyrs: Anatolia, Fota, Fotida, Paraskeva, Kyriacia, Domnina and the martyr Sebastian Orthodox Church celebrates March 20/April 2.

Prayer to the Holy Martyr Photina

Oh, holy martyr Photino! Immensely inspired by love for Christ, you have shown courage, patience and great strength with your sisters, sons and those enlightened by you. She preached the Gospel of Christ with boldness, and by appearing to you and everyone who was with you, Christ strengthened and comforted everyone for the coming torment. Having come to Rome and fearlessly confessed Christ, you were imprisoned, and having endured much torment, you were thrown into a well, and you betrayed your soul to the Lord. Hear us, Saint Photino, who shone with spiritual beauty and constantly and incessantly taught people faith in Christ, in prison and in cities. Hear us, looking at us sinners, and with the grace of Christ heal those who are sick with fever, so that the rain of sin will not sprinkle them, but in mental and physical health they will spend their lives unremittingly in good deeds and glorify the Lord of all, the Father of bounties, the Merciful God, in all ages. Amen.

Brief lives of the martyr Photina (Svetlana) Samaritan and others

This is that same-na-sa-ma-ryan-ka, with which the Lord came at the well of Eeyore (). Passion-da-la for Christ under the name of Nero in Rome, in 66. St. Fo-ti-na lived at that time in Carfa -gene. Having received information from the Lord about the suffering ahead of her, she went to Rome and, together with sons-no-vya-mi Yosi-ey and Fo-ti-nom (Vik-to-rom) and sisters-ra-mi Ana-to-li-ey, Pa-ras-ke-voy, Ki-ri-a -ki-ey, Fo-to and Fo-ti-doy freely came to Nero. After many torments, which did not harm her, the saint was from-ve-de-na in “Zolo-toi” Nero's house, where his daughter Dom-ni-nu and 100 of her slaves were converted to Christ.

Three years later, having again endured much torment and skin scraping, St. Mu-che-ni-tsa Fo-ti-na was thrown into the well, where she died. Together with her, both of her sons, sisters, mu-che-ni-tsa Dom-ni-na and mu-che-nick Se-va-sti- suffered for Christ. an.

Complete lives of the martyr Photina (Svetlana) Samaritan and others

The holy mu-che-ni-tsa Fo-ti-na was the same-my-sa-ma-ryan-coy, with whom the Spa-si-tel was -boat Ia-to-left-va (). During the time of Nero (54-68), he showed extreme toughness in the fight against cancer. sti-an-stvo, the holy Fo-ti-na lived in Car-fa-gen with her youngest son Josiah and there without-bo-language-but-about -ve-do-va-la Evan-ge-lie. Her eldest son Viktor bravely fought in the Roman armies against the barbarians and was appointed to the military for his services -chal-ni-kom to the city of At-ta-liyu (Asia Minor).

Grad-do-chal-nik At-ta-lii Se-va-sti-an, when meeting with Saint Victor, told him: “I know very well, that you, your mother and your brother are following the teachings of Christ. But I am with you in a friendly way - obey in return for this you will receive the property of Christianity, which you provide to us. I write to ma-te-ri and brother, so that they do not pro-ve-to-wa-Christ from the open. "believe your faith." Saint Victor answered: “I myself want to be a pro-Christianity, like my mother and brother.” To this Se-va-sti-an replied: “Oh Viktor, we all know very well what kind of misfortunes await you for this, mother and your brother." After these words, Se-va-sti-an suddenly felt a sharp pain in his eyes, his face changed and he became numb.

For three days he lay blind, without saying a word. On the fourth day, unexpectedly, he said loudly: “Only faith is Christian, there is no other true faith.” -ry!" On-ho-div-she-mu-sya near the house of St. Vic-to-ru Se-va-sti-an said: “Christ calls me.” . Soon he was baptized and immediately became mature. The servants of the holy Se-va-sti-a-na, sv-de-te-li-chu-yes, were baptized according to the example of their lord -on the.

Rumors about what had happened reached Nero, and he ordered to bring Christians to him for trial in Rome. Then the Lord Himself appeared to the knowledge and said: “I will be with you, and Nero will be defeated, and all who serve - lives for him." The Lord spoke to Saint Viktor: “From this day on, your name will be Fo-tin - “Light-of-the-war”, for many , enlightened ones, turn to Me." The Lord encouraged the Holy Se-va-sti-a-na: “Blessed is the woman who completes his feat to the end.” Holy Fo-ti-na, from the Spa-si-te-lem about the upcoming sufferings, in co-pro-gov-de-nii several -Khi-khri-sti-an came from Car-fa-ge-na to Rome and joined the s-scientists.

In Rome, the im-per-ra-tor invited the saints to his place and asked them whether they really believed in Christ - hundred. Everyone decided to renounce the Savior. That's when they-per-ra-tor, at the-ka-hall, beat-drop-the-hands of the holy-martyrs on the-co-valley. But during the test, it is not the feeling of pain, but the hands of the mu-che-ni-tsy Fo-ti-ny remain -we were unharmed. Nero ordered Saints Se-va-sti-a-na, Fo-ti-na and Josiah to be blinded and imprisoned, and Saint Fo-ti- well, with her five sisters - Ana-to-li-ey, Fo-to, Fo-ti-doy, Pa-ras-ke-voy and Ki-ri-a-ki-ey - from- go to the im-per-tor-palace under the supervision of do-che-ri Nero-on the House-ni-ny. But Saint Fo-ti-na converted to Christ the House-ni-nu and all her slaves who received Holy Baptism . She turned to Christ and the sorcerer, who brought poisoned drink to kill the priest.

Three years passed, and Nero sent for one of his servants who was in prison. The messages sent to him were that the saints Se-va-sti-an, Fo-tin and Josiah, who were blind, became co- you are absolutely healthy, and they are constantly visited by people who listen to them; she herself, however, turned into a bright and blissful place, where God is glorified. Then Nero ordered the five saints to hang their heads down and beat them on their bodies with belts for three days . On the fourth day, im-per-ra-tor sent servants to see if you were alive. But, having arrived at the place of torture, the sent ones immediately became blind. At this time, the Angel of the Gos-daily liberated the mu-che-niks and healed them. The saints took pity on the blind servants and their prayers to the Lord to restore their sight. They matured to believe in Christ and were soon baptized.

In a powerless rage, Nero ordered to tear off the skin from Saint Fo-ti-na and throw the mu-che-ni-tsu into the well. Mu-che-ni-kam Se-va-sti-a-nu, Fo-ti-nu and Josiah from-sek-li go-le-ni, bro-si-li so-ba-kam, then with They skinned them. The sisters of Saint Fo-ti-na endured terrible torment. Nero ordered to cut off their nipples and then rip off the skin. Sophisticated in his cruelty, he-per-ra-tor arranged the same execution of Saint Fo-ti-de: she was blamed by the legs to the top of two inclined trees, which, straightening out, tore apart the mu-che-ni-tsu. The rest of the im-per-ra-tor will be de-headed. Holy Fo-ti-well, you came out of the well and locked it in that place for 20 days.

After this, Nero called her to him and asked if she was still alive and would not sacrifice to idols. Saint Fo-ti-na sp-nu-la him-pe-ra-to-ru in the face and, laughing at him, said: “It’s ungodly.” Blind, lost and mad man! Do you really consider me so irrational that I would agree to -speech from the Lord of my Christ and made a sacrifice like you to blind idols?!"

Having heard such words, Nero again ordered to throw the mu-che-ni-tsu into the well, where she gave up her spirit to the Lord († approx. 66).

See also: "" in the text of St. Di-mit-ria of Ro-stov.

Prayers addressed to the Venerable Photinia of Palestine near her icon will heal your soul from defilement, and will also help you overcome any grief.

Christianity knows many people who completely and completely devoted themselves to the faith and until the last minutes of their lives remained faithful to the Lord, despite all the torment. Photinia of Palestine is no exception, whose icon has miraculous properties and helps in any misfortune.

History of the icon

Orthodox Photinia is well known among all Christian peoples. She played a huge role in the development of Christianity and is one of the few holy martyrs who personally met Jesus himself.

The venerable woman lived in ancient times and was from a family of Samaritans. In those days, her people were at great enmity with the Jews, but one day Jesus himself made his way through the settlements where Photinia of Palestine lived. He stopped to drink water from the well, where the holy martyr was staying. Despite the enmity of the peoples, she allowed the wanderer to quench his thirst. Christ told the saint about himself, about his faith, pointed out her sins, and at that moment the saint received her sight. She returned to her city and told people about her meeting with the Savior, and then many of the Samaritans converted to Christianity.

From then until the end of her life, Photinia preached the Christian faith, was sincerely devoted to the Lord and, despite persecution, did not renounce her faith, suffering a lot of torment and suffering for this.

Nowadays, the martyr is deeply revered and respected by Orthodox believers. Her icons are endowed with real miraculous power, capable of doing incredible things and healing people.

Where is the miraculous image located?

In many holy monasteries there are icons of the martyr. All of them have miraculous properties. The most revered and famous of them are located:

• in the temple Life-Giving Trinity in Moscow;
• in the Church of Adrian and Natalia in the Moscow district on Yaroslavskoye Highway;
• in the Church of the Great Martyr Photinia in Dnepropetrovsk.

Description of the icon

In the holy image, the righteous woman is most often depicted from the waist up. Her attire is simple and discreet, her head is covered with a scarf. A small jug is usually depicted in one of the martyr’s hands. It is a symbol of the kindness and generosity that Photinia showed by allowing the stranger, the Son of God, to drink water from the well.

What do they pray for in front of the icon?

Believers turn to the saint for help with various life difficulties. But most often Orthodox people pray in front of the miraculous icon of the saint:

• about help and support;
• about raising the spirit and strength of the will;
• about overcoming sinful actions and thoughts;
• about strengthening faith and righteousness;
• about healing from mental wounds and torment.

Righteous Photinia of Palestine is the patroness of women who bear the name Svetlana, as well as all martyrs and sufferers.

Celebration day

The day of veneration and worship before the sacred icon of the Great Martyr is considered February 26. On this day, many churches hold a special service in honor of the memory of the saint and her righteous, great deeds.

Prayer before the icon

“Oh, great sufferer of God! We offer our prayers to You. Hear us and help us on the sad path of our lives. Don’t leave us, give us strength, don’t let us stray from the true path leading to the Lord. Heal our souls from torment, give us will and hope for the best. Become our intercessor and do not renounce us, O righteous Photinia! May we glorify Your name! Forever and ever. Amen".

The Great Martyr Photinia of Palestine dedicated her earthly life to the Lord. She suffered a lot of suffering for her faith and devotion to the Heavenly Father, but still did not renounce her true religion, which earned her the love and respect of all Christian peoples, who for centuries have been praying before the icon of the saint for her help and support, which she always provides. We wish you peace in your soul. be happyand don't forget to press the buttons and

25.02.2018 05:26

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