Weathered lithography (icon) of Saints Joachim & Anna in pine wood with carved decoration.

Saints Joachim and Anna were the parents of the Most Holy Theotokos. Anna descended from a priestly generation and at an advanced age married Joachim in Galilee. Anna was very upset because she could not have a child and this fact had stigmatized her. The man and wife begged God with warm and wholehearted prayers to give them a child. Their prayers were answered and the virtuous Joachim and Anna brought to life a cute little girl, the Virgin Mary and Mother of Jesus Christ.

Saint Anna after giving birth to the Virgin Mary, dedicated her to the Temple and spent the rest of her life with fasting, praying and giving alms to the poor. According to tradition, Anna surrendered her soul to God at the age of 69 and Joachim passed away at the age of 80. The Orthodox Christian Church celebrates the memory of the Holy & Righteous Ancestors of God on September 9 of each year.

Apolytikion of Saints Joachim and Anna, the Holy Ancestors of God

Second Tone

As we celebrate the memory of Thy righteous ancestors, O Lord, through them we beseech Thee to save our souls.