Prayers to Saint Anne. From the life of Saint Righteous Anna, mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Many believers want to have at home an icon of the saint of God, who is considered their heavenly patron. An icon of St. Anne would be a good gift for a baby or adult baptized with that name.
History of the icon of St. Anne
Holy Scripture gives little information about earthly life Mother of God. More is known about her from the apocrypha (not recognized by everyone) Christian churches). But we can definitely say that her parents were from a line of priests, her father was from the tribe of David. Both deeply revered the Lord and were very upset that they were not given children. The Jews considered this a great shame, a punishment from God.
One day, the temple authorities refused to accept a sacrifice from Joachim - after all, even the very ancient Abraham had children. Both spouses prayed tearfully. Anna promised to dedicate her child to the Lord. And God sent them great joy - the daughter Mary, who became the mother of Christ.
- According to church tradition, Joachim and Anna were over 70 when they conceived a child.
- Saint Anna died in Jerusalem even before the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary. On the site of her house, the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary was erected.
- In the 10th century A monastery was built on Mount Athos in the name of the righteous old woman.
- The righteous are remembered together at every Orthodox Liturgy as “godfathers” (from Church Slavonic - the parents of God). Veneration in Russia began only after the 13th century, but in the Holy Land it is a very ancient tradition.
Icon of St. Anna, the mother of the Virgin Mary, often depicts them together. Young Maria hugs her mother, their faces touch. Another type of composition includes the father - the righteous Joachim.
One Byzantine image shows a righteous couple embracing, perhaps capturing the moment they learned they would become parents. The icon well illustrates the holiness of everything that happens in marriage - including mutual expressions of affection. Women who do not have children often pray to the saints.
Another Saint Anna was also very old when an outstanding event happened in her life. St. Anna is mentioned in the New Testament, in the story about the Presentation. According to legend, she came from ancient family. She got married, but lived in marriage for only a few years. After this, she began to serve in the temple, pleasing God with fasting and prayer. The gift of prophecy was highly respected in ancient Israel, and for Anna it consisted in the fact that she recognized the Lord.
In the icon Anna the prophetess is depicted in advanced years, waist-deep or full height. They can be distinguished from other saints with the same name by the inscription “prophetess”, which will be to the right of the figure at shoulder level (sometimes below). The saint wears a blue cape, with a tunic of a different color underneath. Outerwear can be red, tunic blue. The head is sometimes covered with a white scarf.
In the hands there is usually a scroll - rolled up or unfolded with text. This is a symbol of special knowledge that the Lord reveals to some saints. Indeed, among the many people surrounding Christ, only a few were able to recognize in Him the Messiah for whom the people of Israel had been waiting so much.
- The saint can be depicted either against a regular gold background or against the background of a city (probably Jerusalem, where she lived at the Temple). The meaning of the icon of St. Anne is to remind us of the importance of a righteous life. Yes, she didn’t do anything particularly heroic from the point of view of the average person. But how many people today pray, attend church every day, and limit themselves to food during Lent?
The prophetess is a model of patience, which is completely lacking modern people. And such a person will suffer much more from ordinary everyday troubles. Even the weather gets in the way and becomes an obstacle in business. They constantly complain, and, of course, spiritual achievements are also difficult for them. Anna's patience was fully rewarded - the Lord gave her a meeting with Christ.
Since Scripture mentions Anna together with the righteous Simeon, they are often depicted on icons together. In the center of the composition is the righteous elder, Christ and His parents. The old woman herself is a little to the side, usually behind Simeon, her hand points to the Baby, in the other - a scroll. The icon of Anna the prophetess is considered the protector of babies, and it also protects against lightning strikes. If a believer lacks humility to lead a righteous life, he can ask a saint for help.
Anna from Russia
Another saint, Anna Kashinskaya, also managed to fully acquire a peaceful spirit. It is patience that becomes the path that can lead to salvation. Although she was born into a princely family, young Anna fully learned what losses were. She lived in turbulent times, at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries.
Her husband, Prince Mikhail, was killed by denunciation. The eldest son took revenge on the offender for his father, but also died. The same fate befell the second son and even the grandson of the princess. Many in her place would have fallen into despair. But Anna continued to engage in administrative affairs and only at the request of life accepted monasticism.
Prayer is a great help in business, while some are at war, others must make requests to God. Especially for her in Kashin younger son built a monastery. Her body now rests there; thousands of pilgrims come to the relics every year to receive healing.
Tests awaited the missus even after death. She has already been canonized by Patriarch Nikon. But after he fell out of favor, the name of Anna Kashinskaya was erased from church books. The fact is that on the icon of St. Anna her hands were folded in the two-finger sign of the cross (now it is three-finger). This hinted at the unjustification of reforms.
However, the people did not forget their favorite - recordings of miracles continued, religious processions. In the 19th century justice was restored, even re-canonization took place. By the way, this caused a big surge in the popularity of the name Anna. Even the tram in the center of Moscow, which was designated by the letter “A”, was nicknamed “Annushka”.
Now the saint has three holidays: the discovery of relics, another discovery of relics, and the day of departure to God. The icon of Anna Kashinskaya helps believers cultivate a spirit of humility. She stands up for those who have lost their parents, are widowed, or have lost their children. By folk tradition prayed to St. Anna those who were planning to get married. Monastics also turned to her before tonsure.
On icons, the saint is most often depicted in dark vestments, with a cross, rosary or scroll in her hands. Special prayers have been compiled to address the righteous princess. When praying to the saints, you should first read daily prayers, thank the Lord, and then move on to personal requests
Prayers before the icons of St. Anna
Troparion to Venerable Anna Kashinskaya, tone 3
Today we praise you, reverend mother, Grand Duchess nun Anno: as if the vine is fruitful among the thorns, you flourished in the city of Kashin with your virtues, you surprised everyone with your wonderful life, and you pleased Christ God, and now, rejoicing and having fun, you abide with the faces of the reverend women, enjoying the heavenly beauty and joy. We pray to you: pray for us, the Lover of mankind, Christ our God, to grant us peace and great mercy.
Kontakion to St. Anna Kashinskaya, tone 4
Like a bright star, you appeared in the Russian land, in the city of Kashin, the Venerable Mother Anno, in all the pious and faithful wives, like a krin, you flourished with your pure and immaculate life, in the nuns you completed your works and exploits, and you ascended to the Highest City , rejoicing and having fun, as if you had completed your course well, and now your honest relics, like precious beads, appeared for healing to all who come with faith. Thus we cry to you: Rejoice, all-red soul, and pray to Christ God for the salvation of our souls.
Greatness
We bless you, reverend mother, Grand Duchess Anno, and honor your holy memory, teacher of nuns and interlocutor of the Angel.
Prayer to Venerable Anna Kashinskaya
O reverend and blessed mother Anno! Humbly falling before your honorable relics, we pray diligently with tears: do not forget your poor to the end, but always remember us in your holy and auspicious prayers to God. O blessed Grand Duchess Anno! Do not forget to visit your children, even though you passed away from us in body, but even after death you remain alive and do not depart from us in spirit, preserving us from the arrows of the enemy, all the charms of the demonic and the snares of the devil. Our zealous prayer book! Do not stop praying for us to Christ our God, even though the relics of your cancer are visible before our eyes, but your holy soul, standing with the Angelic hosts at the Throne of the Almighty, worthily rejoices. We fall down to you, we pray to you, we are dear to you: pray, most blessed Anno, to our All-Merciful God for the salvation of our souls, to ask us time for repentance and to pass from earth to Heaven without restraint, to be delivered from bitter ordeals and eternal torment and to be the heir to the Kingdom of Heaven to be with all the saints, who from time immemorial have pleased our Lord Jesus Christ, to Him be glory, with His Beginningless Father, and with His Most Holy, and Good, and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer to Saint Anna the Prophetess
O holy servant of God, holy Anna the Prophetess! Having fought a good fight on earth, you received the crown of righteousness in Heaven, which the Lord has prepared for all who love Him. In the same way, looking at your holy image, we rejoice at the glorious end of your life and honor your holy memory. You, standing before the Throne of God, accept our prayers and bring them to the All-Merciful God, to forgive us every sin and help us against the wiles of the devil, so that, having been delivered from sorrows, illnesses, troubles and misfortunes and all evil, we will live piously and righteously in the present We will be worthy through your intercession, even though we are unworthy, to see good on the land of the living, glorifying the One in His saints, the glorified God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
Prayer to the holy righteous Godfathers Joachim and Anna
First prayer
O holy righteous woman, Godfathers Joachim and Anno! Pray to the Merciful Lord, that He may turn away His anger from us, righteously moved against us by our deeds, and may, despising our countless sins, turn us, the servant of God (names), to the path of repentance, and may He establish us on the path of His commandments. Also, with your prayers in the world, save our life, and in all good things, ask for good haste, all that we need from God for life and piety, from all misfortunes and troubles and sudden death, through your intercession, delivering us and protecting us from all enemies, visible and invisible. , and so in the world this temporary life has passed. Let us achieve eternal rest, where through your holy prayer may we be worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom of Christ our God, to whom, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be due all glory, honor and worship forever and ever.
Second prayer
Oh, the ever-glorious righteous women of Christ, the holy Godfathers Joachim and Anno, standing before the Heavenly Throne of the Great King and having great boldness towards Him, as from your Most Blessed Daughter, the Most Pure Mother of God and the Ever-Virgin Mary, who deigned to be incarnate! We, sinners and unworthy, resort to you, as a powerful intercessor and a zealous prayer book for us. Pray for His goodness, that He may turn away His anger from us, righteously moved against us by our deeds, and may, having despised our countless sins, turn us to the path of repentance and may He establish us on the paths of His commandments. Also, with your prayers in the world, preserve our life and ask for all good haste, everything that we need from God for life and piety, freeing us from all misfortunes and troubles and vain deaths through your intercession, and protecting us from all enemies visible and invisible, for let us live a quiet and silent life in all piety and purity, and so in the world this temporary life has passed into eternal peace, whereby through your holy prayer we may be made worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom of Christ our God, to Him, together with the Father and the Most Holy Spirit, befits all glory, honor and worship forever and ever. Amen.
Very often, when turning to the icons of St. Anna or with prayer for help and protection, ignorant believers are not exactly sure which Anna they are trying to establish contact with. This leads to prayers going unheard and their faith being questioned. Let's look at all the famous saints with the name Anna, as well as the areas of their patronage.
Saint Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary
The memory of Saint Righteous Anna is dedicated on December 22, August 7 and September 22 according to the new style. Saint Anna comes from the Aaronic family, and her husband, Saint Joachim, comes from the house of King David himself, from where, according to ancient legends, the Messiah was supposed to come. The couple lived in Nazareth and gave a monthly portion of their income to the construction of the temple in Jerusalem, as well as to donations to the poor.
Unfortunately, God did not give the couple children until they were very old, for which the couple grieved unspeakably. It is known that among Jews, childless families are considered the most unfortunate, and infertility is called a grave punishment from God. However, the saints did not give up and fervently prayed for the appearance of offspring. Joachim went to the desert and spent 40 long days there, praying for a miracle, while Anna blamed herself for their misfortune, she also asked the Lord to give her a child, promising to bring him as a gift to God.
The couple's prayers were heard, an angel descended to them and announced that a miracle had happened. Thus, the couple had a daughter in Jerusalem - Holy Virgin Maria. According to legend, the holy righteous Anna died in old age in Jerusalem even before the Annunciation. The first church in honor of the saint was built in Devtera, and her Dormition is celebrated on August 7. Prayers to Saint Anne are offered in case of infertility, as well as in case of complications during pregnancy, in order to achieve healthy offspring. Like Saint Anna, Mary, her daughter, began to live a pious life and was honored with the happiness of giving birth to Jesus Christ, our savior.
Princess Anna Kashinskaya
During the time of total atheism, the church was destroyed again, and the source was covered with earth and closed concrete slabs. However, the sacred water broke through, and the peasants cleared the way for the lake to be returned.
Now, on the site of the lake, a whole bathhouse has been built, with separate cabins for men and women. It is noteworthy that the temperature of the lake does not change, regardless of the time of year. In summer the water does not heat up, and in winter it does not freeze...
in Vilnius
This church is considered a true masterpiece of late Gothic architecture. The small cathedral looks so fragile and miniature that it attracts much more admiring glances than the huge Church of St. Bernard standing behind it. It is not known exactly who built this cathedral and in what period of time, but it looks so dazzling that Napoleon himself wanted to move it to Paris.
Now the famous Church of St. Anne is considered one of the symbols of Vilnius. If you look closely at the main facade of the cathedral, you will find the letters “A” and “M”, which can mean “Ave Maria” or “Anna Mater Maria”. According to some experts, the composition of the facade imitates the Gediminovich pillars, the tops of which are 3 small turrets.
In the 19th century, a bell tower made in pseudo-Gothic style was built next to the church. Now there is a beautiful park near the church, where those who wish can sit in the shade of trees or lie on the grass, enjoying the beauty of the cathedral. Special excursions lasting one and a half or 3 hours are held for tourists, including with Russian guides.
Church in Augsburg
The church, together with a small monastery, was erected in the very center of the city in 1321, after which it was restored and reconstructed many times. Already by 1420, thanks to donations, the monastery of St. Anne doubled its original area. The Jewelers' Chapel was built, and then the Fuggers' Chapel. It belonged to one of the most influential families in the city and was practically the first building in the Renaissance style.
One of the attractions of the church is the Martin Luther Museum. Its history dates back to 1518, when Luther arrived in the city for a theological conversation with the cardinal himself. As a result of this meeting, the papal legate planned to arrest the partisan leader. However, after the meeting, Luther secretly left the city. In 1551 began new story church, where a school was opened, and then a gymnasium of St. Anna. A short time later, the city architect erected a new building with a library and a church tower with a spire especially for the gymnasium.
Church decorations
In the 16th century, the church became the owner of a unique collection of paintings that can be seen there to this day. Some of the works of art belong to the hand of the great German master Lucas Cranach the Elder. As for the artistic component of the temple’s design, there is something to see here for both pilgrims and ordinary tourists outside the Christian faith. Firstly, you should pay attention to the paintings on the ceiling, made in the Rococo and Baroque styles. Numerous frescoes and stuccoes depict such great events as the Day of Judgment, the Crucifixion and the Sermon on the Mount.
Built entirely from donations, the Chapel of the Goldsmiths was expanded and decorated with frescoes depicting King Herod. In the story, the king turns to the warlocks with a request to find out the whereabouts of Jesus. The frescoes also depict Jesus himself, the Magi, Saints Helen, George and Christopher.
Athonite Monastery of St. Anne
Greece has one of the most popular pilgrimage sites dedicated to St. Anne. The Athos monastery has a miraculous icon that patronizes motherhood. It is known that thousands of people received children after praying in front of the icon, and Saint Anna helped them. The icon has been standing here since ancient times, as evidenced by the ancient lamp with an egg standing near the icon.
It turns out that this lamp was presented to the monastery by the Turkish Sultan more than 200 years ago! The history of this gift is extremely interesting. The fact is that the Sultan of Limnu was childless, and, as mentioned earlier, among Muslims, infertility is like a curse on the entire family. Time passed, the Sultan gradually grew old, but there was still no hope of finding offspring. Then rumors reached him that in the Athos monastery there was miraculous icon, helping parents find children. And the Sultan, without hesitation, sent generous gifts to the monastery with a request to bring him holy water and oil from the lamp.
However, the pilgrims thought: “How can we hand over the shrine to a person who does not even profess Christianity?” And they poured out the oil. However, the Sultan believed in the power of the icon and again demanded that the pilgrims fulfill his request. Confused, the pilgrims went to the monastery fathers for advice. "What do we do? - they asked. “If we do not fulfill the Sultan’s request, he will execute us!” And the fathers answered: “Then take him some simple oil and ordinary water».
It was decided to do so. Believing in the miraculous power of the icon, the Sultan drank ordinary water from the stream and began to desperately pray, because Saint Anna became his last hope. The icon really helped, and soon a miracle happened: the Sultan received his long-awaited son! Filled with gratitude, the Sultan sent a lamp decorated precious stone. However, soon thieves stole the stone, and the Sultan sent a silver egg in its place.
For prayer to gain power...
Many people refuse to believe in God simply because their prayers are not answered. But what if it is the fault of the worshipers themselves? The fact is that very often we are too focused on our own sorrows to give due respect and attention to the greatness of the Lord to whom we are addressing. When we focus only on our own needs, our prayer loses its power. The main condition for the success of any prayer is trust in the love and power of God, who wants to help us.
For prayer to be powerful, we must view it in the light of God’s grace, then we can ascend to Him and the prayer will be heard. Learn to “meet” God in every prayer. After all, we long to meet our loved ones and relatives, but most often we just want something from God. However, God is not like a salesman. He bestows goodness on those who truly believe and long for the presence of the Lord in their lives.
Using the example of the Sultan, one can judge that a person’s religion is not so important as the sincerity of his prayers and motives. Therefore, even if an “infidel” sincerely turns to God and asks for his participation in his life, the Lord will respond to his prayers.
The prayers of the Mother of God - Holy Righteous Anna - have always been considered one of the strongest. Saint Anne is the mother of the Virgin Mary. Thousands of believers come to her icon asking for help. Saint Anna experienced a lot of suffering in her life and therefore tries to help everyone who is having a hard time. You can ask Anna for anything; many believers claim that the prayer of the mother of the Most Holy Theotokos Anna will definitely be heard.
Life of Saint Anne
Saint Anne was one of the youngest daughters of a church official. When the girl grew up, she was married to Joachim, heir to the family of David. It was believed that it was in the line of David that Christ would be born.
Anna and her husband lived in the city of Nazareth. The couple lived there for many years, but even in their old age the Lord did not give them a child. They suffered a lot because of this. Every day Joachim and Anna went to church and prayed, and donated part of their income to the temple.
For all their troubles, the spouses blamed only themselves, believing that they did not believe in God enough and were punished for this.
One day Anna saw a nest with birds on a tree. She leaned on the branch with her hand and tearfully prayed to the Lord for a child. Anna promised that if she had a child, she would give it to God. At that same moment, an Angel appeared before the woman, announcing to Anna that a baby would soon appear in their family. He ordered the girl to be named Mary and said that she would bring blessings to all the peoples of Egypt. Anna was delighted and went to the temple, where she once again pronounced the words of the vow.
On the same day, an Angel appeared to Joachim. He told the family to move to Jerusalem, where a girl was to be born. When Maria was three years old, her parents kept their promise and sent her to serve in the temple. Anna and her husband were already very old, and soon after they sent their daughter to the monastery, they died.
In our time, Anna and Jokima are considered the ancestors of the Mother of God. Women who want to get pregnant pray to them. The Feast of the Conception is considered the best reason to turn to them with prayer. The monastery of St. Anne was built on Mount Athos in the 10th century, then a whole cathedral was built in its place. Saint Anne is venerated on December 22, August 7 and September 22.
Who does the prayer to St. Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary help?
- women dreaming of getting pregnant;
- to everyone who does not have peace in their family;
- infertile spouses;
- families with acute financial need .
Today, the relics of St. Anne, the Mother of God, are in Greece. They are periodically transported to various monasteries and temples so that all believers and those asking can venerate Saint Anne. Flocks to them every day great amount pilgrims from different countries peace to offer honor to the saint and ask for mercy.
How to correctly offer a prayer to Saint Anna the prophetess?
There are several texts of prayers to St. Anne. They are read as church services, and at home. It is necessary to read the prayer to Saint Righteous Anna in front of her icon; first light a candle or lamp.
Strong prayers to Saint Anne
First prayer
Oh, holy righteous women, Godfathers Joachim and Anno! Pray to the Merciful Lord, that He may turn away His anger from us, righteously moved against us by our deeds, and may, despising our countless sins, turn us, the servants of God (name), to the path of repentance, and may He establish us on the path of His commandments.
Also, with your prayers, preserve our life in the world, and in all good things ask for good haste, all that we need from God for life and piety, freeing us from all misfortunes and troubles and sudden death through your intercession, and protecting us from all enemies, visible and invisible, and so this temporary life in the world has passed, we will achieve eternal peace, where through your holy prayer may we be worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom of Christ our God, to Him, together with the Father and the Most Holy Spirit, befits all glory, honor and worship forever and ever.
Second prayer
About the ever-glorifying righteous women of Christ, the holy Godfathers Joachim and Anno, who stand before the Heavenly Throne of the Great King and have great boldness towards Him, as from your Most Blessed Daughter, the Most Pure Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, who deigned to be incarnated to you, as a powerful intercessor and zealous intercessor for us, we resort to sins and unworthiness. Pray for His goodness, that He may turn away His anger from us, righteously moved towards us by our deeds, and may, having despised our countless sins, turn us to the path of repentance and may He establish us on the path of His commandments.
Also, with your prayers, preserve our life in the world and ask for all good haste, everything that we need from God for life and piety, from all misfortunes and troubles, and vain deaths, through your intercession, delivering us, and from all enemies visible and invisible protecting, as if we may live a quiet and silent life in all piety and purity, and so in the world this temporary life has passed, we will achieve eternal peace, where, through your holy prayer, we may be worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom of Christ our God, to which, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, all befits glory, honor and worship forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer for infertility
A pleasing root that grew the former fruitful and ever-blooming - the revered Mother of God, from Her came the Author of life and the Finisher of faith, Jesus Christ, a multi-flowing source, from nothing else, like a stream of sweetness and a river of peace Blessed in women, flowing an abyss of blessings and an ineffable sea of goodness and infinity bliss.
The predestined womb is incomparably brighter than the rays of the sun, even having received its sight and preached prophetic trumpets. Known from her Fruit, the Queen of Angels and the highest being of heaven, as the chosen vessel of the Holy Spirit and the clearest receptacle of grace. The image of righteousness and blameless life and wisdom is a fragrant and sweetly fragrant meadow. Fulfilling the lawful commandments in rightness of heart and burning reverence and with all diligence with her blessed husband and God-bearer Joachim.
By divine will, she conceived in old age and gave birth to the predestined Mother of God. Pramati of the all-merciful and all-generous God, ready intercession and intercession of those who come running to you with faith, consolation of the suffering and peace to the grieving, by the grace of your Grandson showing childless and barren wives to be gracious, accept the prayer of us sinners and turn the sadness of the childlessness of those praying to you into joy.
Give the fruit of the womb to those who call upon you, resolving the darkness of their infertility and, as the solution to infertility, create blessed wives who please you and glorify the God-man - your Grandson and Creator and Lord.
To her, blessed and gracious Anna, to all, like the brightest moon, sending the peaceful and quiet light of the God-given talents in you, who appeared to Sarah the most honest, Anna to the mother of Samuel the brightest, Elizabeth the most glorious and all the righteous wives, whom the law glorifies, the most honest and as if from this there is much honor and worthy of grace, fill the hearts of those who come running to you with joy and gladness, and give your grace to your servant who receives you ambulance, opening her womb, so that through your intercession and intercession the conception of a child may be facilitated and the all-holy Name of the God-Man - Your Grandson and our Savior Jesus Christ - glorified.
Patron Saint of Women
bearing the name ANNA -
Saint Anna the Prophetess
Holy Prophetess Anna is the patroness of infants. If your child is sick, turn to her in prayer. Those who are faced with the problem of infertility will also be helped by the icon of the saint. For her righteous life, Prophetess Anna was given the opportunity to see the newborn Christ in the temple, so that she could then preach the Good
news. For those who want to get rid of sorrow, who lack humility, who want to live righteously, but are subject to temptations,
you should turn to a saint for help. It will protect you from troubles and illnesses, and help you live a long and prosperous life. Icon
with the image of the Holy Prophetess Anna is a personalized icon for girls and women who received the name Anna at baptism and
born on a day close to the day of her veneration (August 28/September 10). The name Anna means "grace" or "merciful", and
this is how she will live her whole life.
Life of Saint Anna the Prophetess
The prophetess Anna, according to the Gospel of Luke, was the daughter of Phanuel, descended from the family of Asher, distinguished by wealth, but at the same time, meekness of morals in Everyday life. Having married at a young age, seven years later Anna became a widow and from that time until she was very old (Evangelist Luke mentions that she was eighty-four years old) the prophetess lived by fasting and prayer, praising the Lord.
When the Mother of God, on the fortieth day after birth, brought the Savior to the temple, so that, according to ancient Jewish customs, He, like any other male child, would undergo a rite of purification, Saint Anna followed Elder Simeon the God-Receiver She also began to offer praise and words of gratitude to the future Savior of humanity, who had been waiting for the coming of the Messiah for so long. So the Lord rewarded the Prophetess Anna for long years ministry, giving her a meeting with Jesus Christ in the 84th year of her life.
What a miracle happened
Anna’s life itself can be called a miracle, and the fact that her faith and patience led her at the end of her life to a meeting with the Living Incarnation of the Lord. He spoke about the importance of patience for a Christian Father Paisiy of Athos : “Nothing happens without patience. Some are as impatient as the man who wants, as soon as he has planted a vineyard, to drink wine the next day.
This is, of course, impossible. He who does not have patience suffers a lot. Frost seems doubly frosty to him, and heat is doubly hot. Like a soldier who thinks that last month his services are longer than the entire service. They transfer their impatience to others, constantly complaining about their life, instead of being patient. Great patience is needed in everything, and especially in spiritual things... When Christ sees that this one is struggling, but does not receive human help, then He comes Himself and helps. The more you constrain yourself, the more grace and joy you will receive.”
What does an icon help with?
At sincere prayer With her intercession before the Lord, she helps the Holy Prophetess Anna to resist temptations, to get rid of spiritual sorrow, troubles, misfortunes and all evil, and to live piously and righteously.
How an icon protects
Those who want to get rid of grief, who lack humility, who want to live righteously, but are subject to temptation, should turn to the saint for help. It will protect you from troubles and illnesses, and help you live a long and prosperous life.
How to pray in front of an icon
Prayer to Saint Anna the Prophetess
Oh, holy saint of God, holy Anna the Prophetess! Having fought a good fight on earth, you received the crown of righteousness in Heaven, which the Lord has prepared for all who love Him. In the same way, looking at your holy image, we rejoice at the glorious end of your life and honor your holy memory. You, standing before the Throne of God, accept our prayers and bring them to the All-Merciful God, to forgive us every sin and help us against the wiles of the devil, so that, having been delivered from sorrows, illnesses, troubles and misfortunes and all evil, we will live piously and righteously in the present We will be worthy through your intercession, even though we are unworthy, to see good on the land of the living, glorifying the One in His saints, the glorified God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
When is the holy day of remembrance
The Day of Remembrance of Righteous Anna the Prophetess is celebrated on August 28/September 10, as well as on February 3/16, when she is remembered with Righteous Simeon the God-Receiver on the after-feast of the Presentation of the Lord.
Which churches have an icon of the saint?
If you want to pray before the icon of the Holy Righteous Anna the Prophetess in the temple, visit the church or chapel of the temple named in her honor. The Church of the Saints and Righteous Simeon the God-Receiver and Anna the Prophetess is located in St. Petersburg . This is the oldest temple in the city, which is an architectural monument.
IN Sverdlovsk region in the city of Sysert there is a temple with the same name , it was also built in the 18th century. It is very similar to the St. Petersburg church, which is not surprising if you believe the version that the church organizer went to the Northern capital to get drawings.
Among the churches of modern construction, one of the largest is Kazan-Nikolskaya and Anna the Prophetess Church, which is located in the village of Ryazanovka , located in the vicinity of Ufa. There are several churches in Moscow, the chapels of which are named in honor of the holy righteous Anna.
Meaning of the icon
The icon with the image of the Holy Prophetess Anna is a personalized icon for girls and women who received the name Anna at baptism and were born on a day close to the day of her veneration (August 28/September 10). The name Anna comes from the Hebrew for "grace" or "merciful," and this is how she will live her entire life.
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The meaning of the name Anna
The meaning of the name Anna is "pretty"
"mercy of God", "grace"
Origin: Hebrew
Horoscope named after Anna
*Zodiac sign - Virgo.
*Guardian planet - Ceres,
Proserpina
*Talisman stone - ruby.
*Talisman color - red, blue,
matte, beige-pink.
*Plant talisman - pink aster,
rowan, blueberry.
*Animal mascot - hare, lynx
*The most successful day is Wednesday.
*Predisposition to such traits as self-sacrifice, kindness, sincerity, intuition, patience, selflessness, uncompromisingness,
love of truth.
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Copy the prayer by hand and always carry it with you, it will be your protection, you can read it at any time when you have problems, and also do not forget to praise your protector - Saint Anna the Prophetess.
Saint Anna was the youngest of the three daughters of the priest Matthan, who lived in Bethlehem; his wife, who also came from the tribe of Judah, was called Mary. In total they had three daughters. The first to get married in Bethlehem was the eldest Mary and gave birth to Salome, the second, Sovia, gave birth to Elizabeth, the future mother of John the Baptist, and also remained in the city of her parents. But the younger Anna was married to Joachim from Nazareth in the country of Galilee.
It is known that the couple married very young, but, coming from noble and pious families, from birth they grew up and were brought up in the strictness of the Law of God, and their righteousness was exemplary and sincere. With spiritual wealth, they also had material wealth, but they knew the true value of both: every holiday, observing the commandments of the Law and the customs that flowed from them, Saints Joachim and Anna allocated considerable funds from their property, dividing them, as it should have been, into two parts - one was donated to the temple, the second was distributed to the poor and needy.
However, despite the godly life of Joachim and Anna, the Lord did not immediately realize His great plan for this family - the Nativity of our Lady, the Most Holy Theotokos and the Ever-Virgin Mary, although, as we see, this plan was prepared by Him for many, many generations from generation to generation, from knee to knee. Long time the holy parents of the Most Pure One were childless, however, as St. Demetrius of Rostov says, “in the very conception and birth of such a daughter, the power of God’s grace, the honor of the Born, and the dignity of the parents were revealed; for it is impossible for a barren and old woman to give birth otherwise than by the power of God’s grace: it is no longer nature that acts here, but God, who conquers the laws of nature and destroys the bonds of infertility.” “Finally,” the saint continues, “through such a birth the dignity of the parents themselves is revealed, since after a long period of infertility they gave birth to joy to the whole world, thereby becoming like the holy patriarch Abraham and his pious wife Sarah, who, according to the promise of God, gave birth to Isaac in old age” (Gen. 21:2). Demetrius of Rostov’s reflections on the miracle of the Virgin’s birth from elderly parents once again confirms the greatest opportunities that a virtuous, God-loving life gives a person, despite any trials sent to him from the Lord: “This dignity (Christmas in their family of the Blessed Virgin Mary. - author) They did not immediately achieve it, but only with diligent fasting and prayers, in spiritual grief and heartfelt sorrow, they begged God for this: and their sorrow turned into joy, and their dishonor was a harbinger great honor, and diligent petition by the leader to receive benefits, and prayer is the best intercessor.”
However, people tend to explain the secrets of God, which have not yet been revealed to everyone by Him, in their own way, according to existing customs and ideas. Everyone around saw that time was passing, but the addition to the family of Joachim and Anna was not coming. Infertility in the family in those days was tantamount to admitting that there was no God’s favor over this house, since He suddenly decided to stop this family. Childlessness was considered dishonor, which was so great that when Joachim brought gifts to God to the Jerusalem Temple on a great holiday, Issachar, who was then the high priest of Jerusalem, refused to accept them, saying that since Joachim was still childless, it means that despite his outward piety he had secret sins. Another parishioner also stated that Joachim is not worthy to bring gifts to God, since there are no descendants from him to Israel.
Since ancient times, patriarchs were repeatedly given a promise from God to multiply the people, and the more children there were in the family, the more mercifully God blessed the parents, it was believed. On the other hand, the memory of numerous prophecies about the coming Messiah gave all clans and tribes the opportunity to hope that He would appear in their clan, and those who did not have children were accordingly deprived of such a prospect, and childlessness was considered a punishment, and the childless among the Old Testament Jews they were considered undeniable sinners before God.
Saddened Joachim left the temple. This holiday turned into deep sorrow for him. He did not go home to Anna, who was waiting for him, but into the desert to the shepherds who tended his flocks, and, crying, began to remember all his ancestors, looking for who might have had such a fate, because his line was not interrupted. So, going through his family tribe by tribe, he remembered Abraham and Sarah, who gave birth to Isaac at a very old age, and began to pray to God that He would grant him such joy - to have a child, no matter how old he becomes, and thus revealed His favor to him. For forty days Saint Joachim prayed and fasted on the same water, and made a vow that he would not eat and would not return to his home, remaining alone among the flocks, until God, by His will, showed him mercy and gave a sign that the dishonor had been removed from him. Houses.
But Saint Anna, joyfully awaiting her husband’s home from the festive service, received completely different, bitter news: the high priest did not accept their gifts, and her husband withdrew into the desert, and all this because of their long-term infertility. Crying inconsolably, the poor woman did not even know which suffering to recognize as greater: rejection by God, unexpected orphanhood, for her husband was her entire family, as custom dictated, or infertility - she considered all the guilt for the lack of children in her marriage with Joachim to be her own.
According to legend, fifty years passed this way. The holy righteous Joachim prayed and fasted in the desert, and the holy righteous Anna lived as best she could with her maid Judith, who, although she tried to somehow console her mistress, understood that human words are powerless where only the word of God can decide everything. People avoided her house because a woman lived there in double dishonor: childless, abandoned by God and abandoned by her husband.
Once, already in old age, Saint Anna went out into her garden and sat down under a large laurel, on which birds had built a nest, and there the chicks were already chirping, and their parents were fluttering above them. The little bird's happiness touched her so much, so stirred up all her many years of grief that in complete despair she again turned to God with tears and prayer, complaining that she was probably the most sinful of women in the eyes of God. Her gifts to God are not accepted by the high priests in the temple, and people turn away from her, and since she is barren, it means that it is not pleasing to the Lord for the people of Israel to multiply from her. But, perhaps, since He once gave a son to ninety-year-old Sarah, that once upon a time, for many years, childless Anna, the wife of a certain Elkanah, prayed to God for offspring, promising that if she gave birth, she would give the child to serve Him, and found joy , having given birth to the prophet Samuel (I Samuel 1:9–18), then the Lord will not leave her. And, crying and praying, holy righteous Anna made a vow that if a Child was born according to the will of God and she had a Child, she would bring him as a gift to God.
As soon as righteous Anna uttered the words of her sacred vow, an Angel of the Lord appeared to her, who brought the news that, as St. Demetrius of Rostov writes beautifully and inspiredly: “...Your prayer was heard, your sighs passed through the clouds, your tears appeared before God, and you will conceive and give birth to a most blessed Daughter; through Her all the tribes of the earth will receive blessings and salvation will be granted to the whole world; her name will be Mary.” To which, having bowed to God, Anna replied that when the child is born, she will give him to serve God. "Let it serve Him and glorify holy name God is day and night all the time of his life.”
With a long-forgotten feeling of indescribable joy, holy righteous Anna hurried to the Jerusalem Temple, where in the house of God she bowed to Him for His great mercy towards her.
At the same time, when the Messenger of God appeared to Anna, he also appeared to the holy righteous Joachim in the desert and announced that joy awaited him - they would have a daughter, whose birth would be a joy for the whole world. The angel ordered Joachim to immediately go to Jerusalem, where at the Golden Gate he would meet his wife Anna, who was told the same thing.
Amazed and delighted, Joachim hurried to Jerusalem and met his wife Anna where the Angel showed him. After exchanging stories about the angelic visit, the couple praised God in the temple and went home. On December 9/22, the Conception of Righteous Anna took place, which we now celebrate among other holidays. On September 8/21, the promised joy to the world happened - the righteous Anna gave birth to a Daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary. The holy righteous Joachim hurried to the Temple of Jerusalem, where, thanking God with all his heart, from the depths of his soul, he brought gifts, sacrifices, burnt offerings to God, and all the high priests, all the clergy blessed him. Then in his house he arranged a plentiful and rich meal, distributed great alms to the poor, and everyone who had previously turned away from their home rejoiced with him and his wife Anna.
The young Virgin was protected and raised in piety by holy righteous Anna and righteous Joachim, remembering the vow given to God and the words of the Angel about Her great purpose, feeling the wondrous grace emanating from the Ever-Virgin, which grew amazing child, beyond their years, soon growing up. When the Virgin Mary was three years old, the time came for the Entry into the temple, where her parents reverently escorted Her to serve God, as they had promised. After a short time, holy righteous Joachim appeared before God; he was 80 years old. After the death of her husband, Holy Righteous Anna left Nazareth, came to the Jerusalem Temple and lived with her Most Pure Daughter, praying to God, and left this world, outliving her husband by two years. We commemorate her Dormition on July 25/August 7.
Their remains were laid to rest on the edge of the Valley of Jehoshaphat, which lay between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives. There the tomb of the Mother of God was later built and Joseph the Betrothed was buried.
Veneration of Saint Righteous Anna after life
The first small monastery - a monastery in honor of the holy righteous Anna was built on Holy Athos, and this is one of the most ancient Athonite monasteries, but at that warlike time it was repeatedly destroyed by sea pirates. In the 17th century, the monastery was restored and strengthened by Patriarch Dionysius of Constantinople, who by that time had acquired the foot of Saint Righteous Anna. Here in 1680 he built the cathedral church of the Dormition of St. Anna, and since then the monastery has been named after the Most Pure Mother and is famous on Mount Athos for the special exploits of the monks who labor there. Next to it is the New Skete of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or “Little Anna,” which emphasizes the special grace, the feeling of priesthood, spilled over those places that carry the sacred invisible presence of the connection between the conception of St. Anna and the Nativity of her Most Pure Daughter.
In the 6th century, under the holy blessed king Justinian, a temple was erected in her honor in Deftera on the island of Cyprus, in the 17th century XVIII centuries It was renewed by Emperor Justinian II after the holy righteous Anna appeared in a dream to his pregnant wife. Then her holy relics and the veil in which they were wrapped were transferred with honor to Constantinople.
Meaning of the icon
The love of both parents for their child, be it a daughter or a son, is always important for the mutual completeness necessary for his happy growth. However, it is not without reason that maternal love has been deified in all nations since the beginning of time, and a mother’s prayer is no other prayer stronger than her holy request for children. And although the icons of the Mother of God “Holy Righteous Anna with the Infant Mary” are more common, where the Intercessor is shown in Her infancy with both parents, there are ancient lists where only the righteous mother and her Most Pure Daughter are depicted.
On this list, its composition is completely similar to the composition of the Mother of God icons, where the Virgin is depicted as the Mother of God with the Infant Jesus in her arms, and this image is clearly similar in typology to the oldest image of Her “Eleus” - “Tenderness”. Just as sadly, righteous Anna bows to the face of the Infant Mary, foreseeing with maternal intuition all the earthly labors of her Daughter and remembering the vow given to God: her long-awaited, later and only Child is destined for Him; Just as touchingly Mary’s baby cheek clung to Her mother’s cheek, She looks just as understandingly and comfortingly at her mother’s face, holding in her small hand a blue flower - a symbol of Her ever-present Divine Heavenly purity and chastity. Traditionally, the Mother of God blue color in the robe of the Infant Mary, nobly combined with emerald, symbolizing life, first of all, life in the Spirit, taught by Christ to the disciples (on the Trinity holiday, the clergy are dressed in green clothes), emphasizes Her status as the Ever-Virgin. The golden stars on the omophorion on the forehead and shoulders - indicate Her as the Mother of God, being an indispensable detail of Her images.
The omophorion of righteous Anna on the most ancient lists was predominantly depicted in scarlet, but, thanks to the capabilities of Kuznetsov’s dotting technique, in the floral ornament of her robe the same Virgin Mary cabbage roll and gold were added as a sign of involvement in her Divine chosenness in the series of Christ’s ancestors in the flesh from the royal house of David .
The fields of Kuznetsov's icons always not only absorb all the color of the pre-lich and continue the ornamental style chosen by the icon painter for a given image. They inherit the emotional and event symbolic series. Rondos with floral patterns in gold, ruby, and sapphire tones inscribed in them, located around the holy mother and her Most Pure Daughter, seem to be three-dimensional spheres. They soar like angelic ethereal creatures, as if welcoming and protecting the Divine duo. A multi-valued image, voluminous in feeling and meaning, repeating the ancient drawings, but re-voiced through the color and ornamental techniques of the new in the technique of icon painting, opens up to us, and the soul prayerfully opens up to meet it.