Photina or Photinia, what is the difference: Fatinia is a biblical name

Question: “A 6-year-old girl died, she was baptized Svetlana. Is it really now allowed to baptize with one’s own name, and not with Photinia, as before?”

Answer: Questions related to the name at Baptism are asked quite often. The reason for this is some misunderstanding that exists among parishioners. There is an opinion that at Baptism a person is given some kind of “secret, church” name, which must be called only in the Church. Of course this is not true. In the Sacrament of Baptism there is the rite of naming, which the priest, in agreement with the parents, proclaims by laying his hand on the baby. The fact is that, according to the teachings of the Church, every Christian at his Baptism is approached by a guardian angel who is present next to him all his life. However, there is a pious tradition according to which if a baby bears the name of one of the saints of God, already glorified in holiness, then in addition to the guardian angel, he is also helped in life by a heavenly patron whose name he bears. It is important to understand that a baby is not baptized “in the name” of this or that saint.

Angel Svetlana Day according to the church calendar

Baptism can only be performed in the name of the Most Holy Trinity, as the Savior commanded us: “Go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). The presence of a heavenly patron does not occur “automatically”; it is not a “mechanical act of witchcraft.” You must also turn to the saint whose name the baby bears, “get to know” him, read his life, find out by what feat he was glorified among the host of God’s saints. And be sure to prayerfully turn to him. Of course, saints are always ready to come to our aid, but the person must ask for it, say that he really needs help. To address the saints there are prayers, akathists, and the Canons to the saints are especially good. And of course, there must be an icon of our heavenly patron so that we know who we are addressing.

As for whether it is possible to give names at Baptism that are not in the Saints, there are no strict canonical conciliar prohibitions on this. However, in our opinion, is it really bad if a newly baptized baby has a heavenly patron, an intercessor to whom you can turn in difficult times for prayerful help and advice. It is only important that this appeal really exists and is conscious. Therefore, in the Russian Church (precisely in the Russian, in other Orthodox Churches, say, in the Georgian, Serbian, Greek there is no such tradition), there is a centuries-old pious tradition of calling the newly baptized by the names that the holy saints bear. Therefore, at Baptism, priests usually follow this tradition.

Most often this question arises in connection with the Russian name “Svetlana”. In our opinion, there is some confusion here. The name "Photinya" (Photinia, Photina), Greek. Φωτεινή", is only a translation into Greek of the name Svetlana, or, rather, on the contrary, the name “Svetlana” is a translation from Greek into Russian of the name Fotinya. We believe that they are the same name, just pronounced in different languages, and not different names. Church Tradition informs us that this was the name of the Samaritan woman with whom the Savior spoke at the well (John 4:4-42). Since ancient times, she was remembered as Photinia, then in the 19th century the name was translated and “Svetlana” appeared, but this is the same name. Now in the published church calendars this discrepancy has been eliminated, and this is how it is indicated: “Fotina (Svetlana) Samaritan of Rome” or “Svetlana (Fotina, Fotinia) of Palestine.” Therefore, you can commemorate both with this and that; we repeat, this is the same name.

In general, indulging in excessive reasoning on the topic “how to remember correctly, how to write, where to put a period, etc.” we thereby express a latent distrust of God and our Holy Church. The Lord knows all our names, everything about us sinners, “even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” (Matthew 10:30), this is what the Savior says. Therefore, God bless all our Svetlanas, Photini, Photin, living and deceased!

Priest Mikhail Makarov

Fate

Fortune has been favorable to the girl from an early age. She hardly encounters difficulties, and what others achieve with all their might comes easily, without stress. However, the darling of fate does not like to sit idly by; she often uses all her talents, multiplied by hard work and diligence, to achieve high goals.

She is never lonely unless she wants to be. Everyone loves her, she is sociable and can convince a person of her excellent disposition towards him, although sometimes he is unpleasant. This is done solely from rational mercantile motives. Despite some arrogance, a woman will never go over her head, but she will not miss her goal.

Character traits

The secret of the name Photinia hides a woman with an idealistic worldview, which forces her to be quite demanding of others. Irreconcilable with other people's shortcomings, she believes that everyone around her should be perfect. If he understands that this is not so and someone does not meet the far-fetched standard, he becomes very upset, even to the point of disappointment.

The character of Photinia is open, but very contradictory. Along with self-sacrifice and good nature, sometimes cruelty is manifested in him. And all this is just due to misunderstanding. The meaning of the name embodies love and care for others. She can be a good and loyal friend, capable of helping in any difficult moment. But this girl is so carried away by the problems of others that she becomes somewhat obsessive in her care. As a result, it causes alienation from others.

The characteristics of the name Photinia reveal an intelligent and pragmatic personality, but not capable of analyzing various situations clearly and deeply enough.

All aspects of life

Love and relationships

Being a young lady, she is in languid anticipation of the prince on horseback. Almost from the cradle she has been dreaming of a magnificent wedding. In such dreams, she does not notice real contenders for her hand, sometimes very worthy guys.

If the prince still does not show up, the girl makes her dreams come true with a young man suitable for these purposes. Often she simply smothers her chosen one with a wave of emotions and passion; if he gives in at first, then there may be no further development of events.

Family

A woman knows in advance what the family nest will be like and moves towards her goal with a firm step. For her, the fact of compliance with her dreams is often important, to which she diligently adjusts everything that is possible. She will play the role of a housewife until she has had enough of it, then again she will want to change something.

The attitude towards your husband will be equal and respectful. The passions that were in full swing before marriage are no longer interesting to her. As a mother, she is ready to realize herself to the fullest. Loves children and doesn't mind having a lot of them.

Professional side

Thanks to diligence and hard work, he can become a highly qualified doctor or a good economist. She will make a good mid-level leader:

head teacher;
head of kindergarten;
chief sales manager, etc.

Question to the priest No. 194

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Question No. 194 (Miscellaneous) Answers: 4
Bless, Father, and please help me understand this situation: My mother claims that in infancy I was baptized with the name Svetlana. My spiritual father said that this is a delusion and Svetlana is a worldly name. And that, most likely, they baptized me as Photinia. I “resigned myself” (I write in quotation marks because I still have some doubts in my soul and it will become clear later why) and accepted this name. But even before I started going to the Temple and trying to comprehend the basics of Orthodoxy, I always had the Icon of the Holy Martyr with me. Photina, to whom I prayed as an ambulance and a prayer book for my soul. T.K. I have never come across an Icon of the Holy Martyr. Photinia, then my soul in prayer constantly turns specifically to Photina in front of her icon, and not to Photinia. Although, according to the instructions of my confessor, I go to confession and Holy Communion as Photinia. Is it correct? Help me to understand. I was born on June 6. God bless you! (Svetlana, 01/27/2010 11:13)

Archpriest Alexander Bilokur 01/29/2010 20:15: Dear Svetlana, Fotina, Fotinia!
I address you this way because all three forms of your name are correct.

In the Orthodox calendar for 2009 published by the UOC (with the blessing of His Beatitude Metropolitan Vladimir) we meet two ascetics of the faith of Christ - Ven. Svetlana, Fotin, Photinia of Palestine, Memorial Day (13) February 26, and MC. Svetlana, Fotin, Photinia the Samaritan Day of Remembrance (March 20) April 2, with whom Jesus Christ talked at the well.

The name Svetlana is not worldly, but is a translation from Greek into Slavic of the name Photina, Photinia, which means “bright” in all languages. For example, in the Greek language there are no names Faith, Hope, Love, but this is a translation into Slavic of the Greek names Pistis, Elpis, Agape.

According to established tradition, a person’s heavenly patron is considered to be a saint, whose memory is celebrated shortly after his birthday.

Thus, the closest memory to your birthday is St. Venerable Svetlana, Photina, Photinia of Palestine, who is your heavenly patroness, and to whom you should turn in your morning prayers: “Pray to God for me...”. The icon you are wearing is most likely the martyr Photinia of Samaritan.

Photinia 01/30/2010 18:25: God bless you, Father Alexander!

Different characteristics and secrets

Talisman crystal - hematite, obsidian.
Numbers - 3, 9.
Patron planet - Saturn.
Happy day is Saturday.
Zodiac - Aquarius.
The metal is lead.
Totem - ant, mole.
The metal is lead.
Favorable plant: wrestler, cumin, pine.
Colour: black, shades of dark grey.

According to Christian canons, Photina's name day is celebrated

13(26).02. - Rev. Photinia.
26(11).03. — m. Fotinia
20.03(02.04). - m. Samaritan Photinia.

The name Svetlana, Photinia in the Orthodox calendar

Glory to God for the wisdom of His servants!

Kuzmina Svetlana Vyacheslavovna 05/02/2016 19:56: date of birth 09/29/1967 I bought and embroidered an icon with the name Fatina, when I brought it to the church to illuminate, the parishioners there told me that this is not my icon, the correct icon is Fatinya. Now I am confused. Please advise what to do?

Svetlana 02/04/2017 16:30: I can’t understand whether I’m Fotina or Fotinia

Continue discussion of issue No. 194:

With the blessing of His Beatitude Vladimir, Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine.

Editor-in-Chief - Archpriest Alexander Bilokur, Executive Editor - Elena Blaivas, Technical Editor - Alexander Perehrestenko

Visitors to the site: 37

Personalities in history and modern times

Photinia Samaritan

It is believed that she lived in Samaria, and once talked with Christ, she realized that her chaotic life was wrong. After this, all relatives, including sons, began to preach Christianity. During the Nero persecution of 65-68, Photinia from Carthage and her son were summoned to the capital, where the sovereign demanded that everyone who arrived there renounce their faith.

After the torture, the emperor threw the entire family into prison and forgot about them. Remembering 3 years later, he sent slaves to visit them. They reported that the prisoners were in good health and unharmed. In addition, the place of their imprisonment became a place of pilgrimage. The enraged Nero ordered the men to be crucified for three days, but they remained unharmed.

The guards, seeing the crucified, became blind, and the Angel untied them and restored strength to the prisoners, who, having prayed over the slaves, made them sighted. So Nero’s servants became Christians after seeing the miracle. By order of the monster, the saints were skinned alive and beheaded, leaving Photinia to suffer. She only laughed at the proposal to renounce Christ, for which she was thrown into a well, where she died.

Question to the priest No. 194

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What do they ask for before the image?

They pray to the icon of Saint Photinia (Svetlana) to gain spiritual support, necessary in misfortune or serious illness. Life's adversities bring moral and physical suffering, which requires a positive attitude to overcome. Prayerful appeals to the holy image help cope with fever, eczema, diseases of the joints and spine.

They pray to the Great Martyr in conflict situations in the family between parents and children, spouses.

Taxonomy

Taxonomic position

Rod Photinia

is part of the Plum subfamily (
Amygdaloideae
) of the Rose family (
Rosaceae
)[4].

2 or 3 more subfamilies

about 50 species[5]

Rosaceae family

genus Photinia

order Rosaceae

subfamily Plumaceae

8 more families (APG III)

about 60 more births

Botanical description

Winter-green, less often deciduous trees or shrubs up to 15 m tall, with entire, serrated-toothed leaves [3].

The flowers are bisexual, actinomorphic, 5-12 mm in diameter, five-membered, with a double perianth, in apical corymbose or paniculate inflorescences. The calyxes in the lower part are fused with a strongly concave receptacle, forming a hypanthium, which later fuses with the ovary; the sepals are short, do not fall off when fruiting, the petals are white, almost round, much longer than the sepals. Stamens 10-20. Gynoecium of 2(5) carpels fused together and later with the hypanthium; ovary with 2(5) stylodes fused almost to the middle and 1-2 ovules in each of 2 nests[3].

The fruits are apple-shaped, spherical, 4-6 mm in diameter, red, with (1) 2-4 seeds[3].

Kinds

The Plant List database

(2013), the genus includes 46 species[5]. Some of them:

Photinia anlungensis TTYu
Photinia arguta Wall. ex Lindl.
Photinia beauverdiana CKSchneid.
Photinia beckii CKSchneid.
Photinia benthamiana Hance
Photinia berberidifolia Rehder & EH Wilson
Photinia bergerae CKSchneid.
Photinia blinii (H.Lev.) Rehder
Photinia bodinieri HL‚v.
Photinia calleryana (Decne.) Cardot
Photinia callosa Chun ex KCKuan
Photinia chihsiniana KCKuan
Photinia chingiana Hand.-Mazz.
Photinia chingshuiensis (T.Shimizu) TSLiu & HJSu
Photinia crassifolia H.Lev.
Photinia davidiana (Decne.) Cardot
Photinia × floribunda (Lindl.) KRRobertson & JBPhipps
Photinia fokienensis (Finet & Franch.) Franch. ex Cardot
Photinia glabra (Thunb.) Maxim.
Photinia glomerata Rehder & EH Wilson
Photinia hirsuta Hand.-Mazz.
Photinia impressivena Hayata
Photinia integrifolia Lindl.
Photinia komarovii (H.Lév. & Vaniot) LTLu & CLLi
Photinia kwangsiensis HLLi
Photinia lanuginosa TTYu
Photinia lasiogyna (Franch.) CKSchneid.
Photinia lochengensis TTYu
Photinia loriformis WWSm.
Photinia lucida (Decne.) CKSchneid.
Photinia megaphylla TTYu & TCKu
Photinia obliqua Stapf
Photinia parvifolia (E.Pritz.) CKSchneid.
Photinia pilosicalyx TTYu
Photinia podocarpifolia TTYu
Photinia prionophylla (Franch.) CKSchneid.
Photinia prunifolia (Hook. & Arn.) Lindl.
Photinia raupingensis KCKuan
Photinia schneideriana Rehder & EH Wilson
Photinia serratifolia (Desf.) Kalkman typus[3]
Photinia stenophylla Hand.-Mazz.
Photinia tsaii Rehder
Photinia tushanensis TTYu
Photinia villosa (Thunb.) DC.
Photinia wrightiana Maxim.
Photinia zhejiangensis PLChiu

There are also a significant number of species names of this genus, including Photinia × fraseri Dress [= Photinia glabra (Thunb.) Franch. & Sav. × Photinia serratifolia (Desf.) Kalkman] are on The Plant List

(2013) status
unresolved name
, that is, regarding these names it is impossible to say unambiguously whether they should be used as names of independent species - or whether they should be reduced to synonymy of other taxa[5].