Holy Saint Photini

Here are several handouts for a lesson on St Photini, who earned the title "Equal to the Apostles." The Church celebrates her life this Thursday and on the Sunday of the Samaritan Women during the Paschal season. Her encounter with Christ is so very important to us because we find Christ clearly declaring Himself to be the awaited Messiah. ~ There is no longer any question about His identity ~

Therefore, begin by reading this encounter in the Gospel of John 4: 1-30 or page 12 in the recommended book by Dr Maria Khoury "Christina's True Hero's" (see previous post on resources for the Saints)

Pay special attention to the way Christ transforms the understanding of St Photini. He truly reveals Himself to her, in a very gentle way, and afterward, her life is never the same. This is our calling. Once we experience Christ, we can no longer live in darkness for we have seen the light. This is true metanoia: to turn and go in the other direction. Like St Photini, we can openly share with others the many wonders God has shown us through His gracious mercy.



Search beyond holy Scripture, and discover her name, her life and witness, and her martyrdom also at a well. What special details that our Church preserves!


Play the game of Telephone to see if your children and young adults can pass along the message of Christ accurately, as did St Photini. Or print out her icon to color or decorate a small clay water jug with. Here is a nice online account of her life.

A CLOSING PRAYER

When through your inexpressible dispensation, Christ God, you appeared on earth, the woman of Samaria, having heard your word, full of love for mankind, left her bucket at the well and ran saying to those in the city: Come, see the one who knows the heart: is not this the expected Christ, who has great mercy?

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.-from the Vespers of Samaritan Woman