greek saints

Life of Saint Anna mother of Virgin Mary

saint-annaSaint Anna, also known as Saint Anne in Western Christian traditions, is revered as the mother of the Virgin Mary, making her the grandmother of Jesus Christ. Although not mentioned in the canonical Gospels, the story of Saint Anna and her husband, Saint Joachim, originates from apocryphal Christian texts, such as the Protoevangelium of James, which provides details about their lives and their significance in Christian tradition.

According to tradition, Anna and Joachim were a devout Jewish couple who lived in Jerusalem and faced years of childlessness, a situation that caused them great distress in a culture that highly valued progeny. In their old age, their prayers for a child were answered when an angel appeared to them, announcing that Anna would conceive and give birth to a daughter who would be known throughout the world. This daughter was Mary, who would become the mother of Jesus Christ.

The story of Saint Anna emphasizes themes of faith, patience, and the joy of God’s intervention in the lives of the faithful. Her life is celebrated for her role in the divine plan of salvation, as she is considered to have played a pivotal part in preparing Mary for her unique vocation as the Theotokos, or God-bearer.

Veneration

Saint Anna is venerated in various Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, and Anglicanism. Her veneration reflects her role in salvation history as part of the lineage of Jesus and as a model of piety and faithfulness.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Anna is often referred to as the “Ancestor of God,” and she is honored in several feast days throughout the liturgical year. The most prominent of these is the feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos on September 8th, which celebrates her role as Mary’s mother.

In the Western Church, the feast of Saints Anna and Joachim is celebrated on July 26th. This day honors their faith and their part in the history of salvation through their daughter, Mary.

Iconography and Patronage

In Christian art, Saint Anna is frequently depicted with her daughter, the Virgin Mary, and sometimes with her granddaughter, Jesus Christ. These images, known as the “Anna Selbdritt” in Western art, highlight the holy lineage and the familial aspect of divine intervention in human history.

Saint Anna is considered the patron saint of mothers, grandmothers, childless couples, and miners, among others. She is often invoked for her intercession in matters related to parenthood, fertility, and the well-being of families.

The veneration of Saint Anna across Christian traditions underscores the importance of family, faith, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Her story is a testament to the belief in the power of prayer and the significance of each individual in the unfolding of salvation history.