Sts. Joachim and Anna

According to tradition, Saint Anna was born in Bethlehem, and married Saint Joachim of Nazareth, both descendants of David. In the Protoevangelium of James, Joachim is described as a rich and pious man, who regularly gave to the poor and to the synagogue at Sepphoris. Tradition has it that the parents of the Blessed Virgin, who, apparently, first lived in Galilee, came later on to settle in Jerusalem. However, as his wife was barren, the high priest rejected Joachim and his sacrifice, as his wife's childlessness was interpreted as a sign of divine displeasure. Joachim consequently withdrew to the desert where he fasted and did penance for 40 days. Angels then appeared to both Joachim and Anne to promise them a child. Joachim later returned to Jerusalem and embraced Anne at the city gate. 

There was ancient belief that a child born of an elderly mother who had given up hope of having offspring was destined for great things. Parallels occur in the Old Testament in the case of Hannah, mother of Samuel.

Joachim and Anne Meeting at the Golden Gate was a popular subject in artistic renditions of the Life of the Virgin.

Sts. Joachim and Anna took Mary, at the age of three, to the temple to be dedicated to the service of the Lord, and presented her to the Priest Zechariahs. The parents then, after offering up her sacrifice (according to the custom of the time), left the Virgin with other maidens in the apartments of the temple to be brought up therein. The Church commemorates the Presentation of the Theotokos on November 21.

Eastern Orthodox Churches commemorate St. Joachim on September 9, the Synaxis of Joachim and Anne, the day after the Nativity of the Theotokos. St. Anna is also celebrated on December 9, her conception day of the Holy Theotokos, and her Dormition feast day is celebrated on July 25.

Sts. Joachim and Anna are patron saints of Grandparents. They are also the patron saints of couples unable to conceive. 

Here are 10 simple ways to celebrate the feast day of Saints Joachim and Anne:

• If grandparents live close by invite them over for dinner. 
• Call grandparents on the phone to say hello and to catch up.
• Send a card in the mail thanking the grandparents in your life for their love and support.
• Have your children color a Saints Joachim and Anne coloring page and give it to grandparents. If the grandparents don’t live close by, think how happy they would be to receive a sweet coloring page in the mail from their grandchildren.

But what if grandparents are no longer living? Here are some ideas that can still keep the spirit of this feast day alive.

• Spend time with an elderly neighbor talking or helping them with house projects or run errands with/for them.
• Bake some cookies for an elderly neighbor or do a house project in their home for them.
• Invite an elderly friend over for dinner and listen to stories of their own children or grandchildren they may not get to see on a regular basis.
• Take an elderly neighbor to Sunday Liturgy or daily Matins.
• Go visit a nursing home and deliver your children’s artwork or cards to them.
• Last, but not least, pray for the grandparents in your life and those friends who are widowed, lonely or homebound.

Troparion — Tone 1

Since you were righteous under the law of grace, O Joachim and Anna, / you gave birth to the God-given infant for our sake. / Therefore, the divine Church radiantly keeps feast today, / joyfully celebrating your honorable memory and giving glory to God / who has raised up a horn of salvation from the house of David.

Kontakion — Tone 2

Podoben: “Seeking the highest...” / Anna is now no longer barren / and nurses the All-Pure One! / She rejoices and calls us all to sing a hymn of praise to Christ, / she who from her womb gave mankind the only ever Virgin Mother.

Yo can also read "Joachim and Anne: Love for Generations" to your younger children.