SVETA PETKA TRNOVSKA (PETKOVDEN)

The Holy Orthodox Church honors three saints who share the name Paraskeva (Petka), which often leads to confusion, as many people believe they are the same person. In reality, these are three distinct saints, though most often they are identified with St. Petka Epivatska, also known as Trnovska, whose feast is celebrated on October 27 (October 14, Old Calendar).

The name Petka comes from the Slavic word Petok meaning Friday, as all three were born on a Friday. In early Christian tradition, Friday was considered the day of preparation for the Sabbath. In pre-Christian Jewish practice, the Sabbath (Saturday) was the holy day, not Sunday. The Greek word Paraskeva also translates to preparation.


1. Saint Paraskeva of Rome – “Summer St. Petka”

The first Saint Petka is Venerable Martyr Paraskeva of Rome, commemorated on July 26 (August 8, Old Calendar). Among the people, she is known as Summer St. Petka.
Her life story tells that her parents were Romans and she was their only daughter, born after many years of prayer. She embraced monastic life at an early age and suffered for her Christian faith during the reign of Emperor Antoninus. The emperor personally participated in her torture, but when she was thrown into a boiling cauldron of oil and tar, she emerged unharmed. A splash of the liquid struck the emperor’s eyes, blinding him, but through her prayers, his sight was restored. Witnessing these miracles, many converted to Christianity. She was later martyred by the sword, and her relics were transferred to Constantinople. On icons, she is often depicted holding a dish with eyes, symbolizing healing of vision.

2. Saint Paraskeva of Iconium

The second is Holy Martyr Paraskeva of Iconium from Asia Minor, who suffered martyrdom during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian. Although less known among the faithful, her life also reflects great courage and steadfast faith.

3. Saint Paraskeva-Petka of Epivat (Trnovska)

The most venerated is Venerable Paraskeva of Epivat, also called St. Petka Trnovska. Her feast day, October 27 (October 14, Old Calendar), is known among the people as Petkovden. Petkovden marks the beginning of the winter festive cycle, followed by celebrations such as Mitrovden, St. George, Archangel Michael, and St. Nicholas.

St. Petka Trnovska was of Slavic origin, born in the town of Epivat (between Silivria and Constantinople). After her parents’ death, she moved to Constantinople and later to the Jordan Desert (in today’s Israel), where she dedicated her life to fasting and prayer. In old age, she returned to Epivat, where she reposed in the 11th century. Her holy relics were moved several times and are now preserved in Iași, Romania.

Though people often merge the stories of the three saints into one, each has her own history and place in Orthodox tradition. All three are honored with church services, home celebrations, and large gatherings, keeping their memory alive through the centuries. |

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