Saints and Feasts: Holy and Righteous Anna the Prophetess

Righteous Anna the Prophetess was descended from the tribe of Aser, and was the daughter of Phanuel. She lived with her husband for seven years until he died. After his death, Righteous Anna led a strict and pious life, “not leaving the Temple, and serving God both day and night in fasting and prayer” (Luke. 2: 37). When Righteous Anna was 84 years old, she saw the Infant Jesus Christ at the Temple of Jerusalem. He was brought to be dedicated to God as a firstborn child according to the Mosaic law.

Righteous Anna also heard the prophetic words of St Simeon the God-Receiver spoken to the Most Holy Theotokos. The Prophetess Anna together with St Simeon glorified God, and told everyone that the Messiah had come into the world (Luke. 2: 38).

Kontakion — Tone 3

Let the godly pair be praised together: / Simeon the Righteous and Anna the Prophetess, well-pleasing to God. / They became witnesses of the Incarnate Lord / when they saw Him as an infant; / together they worshipped Him.

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