The Story of Saints Anna and Joachim

Saints Anna and Joachim are revered as the devoted parents of the Theotokos, the Mother of God. Their remarkable story begins after five decades of marriage, a period marked by their inability to conceive a child. Despite being considered barren, their faith never wavered. They lived a life of extraordinary generosity, dedicating a third of their possessions to the poor and another third to their place of worship, keeping only a modest portion for themselves. Though their lives were peaceful, an ardent longing for a child always remained.

Their fervent prayers were finally answered by divine intervention. The Archangel Gabriel appeared to both Anna and Joachim, delivering the joyous news that they would conceive a child, who was to be named Mary. Gabriel revealed Mary's extraordinary destiny: to become the mother of the Messiah, the Theotokos. In gratitude and obedience, Anna and Joachim vowed to raise their child in the Temple, dedicated to serving God. True to their promise, they presented Mary to the Temple when she was just three years old. Mary would go on to become the Theotokos, eventually betrothed to Joseph. Anna lived to the age of 69, and Joachim to 70.

Saint Anna and Joachim: A Testament of Faith and Devotion

The lives of Saint Anna and Saint Joachim, the venerable parents of the Theotokos, offer a powerful testament to enduring faith. For fifty years, they faced the sorrow of childlessness, with Anna considered barren. Yet, their commitment to God and humanity remained steadfast. They generously gave two-thirds of their wealth to charity and their place of worship, retaining only a third for themselves, living a simple and devout life while yearning for a child of their own.

Their deepest desire was met through a miraculous divine announcement. The Archangel Gabriel appeared to them individually, revealing that they would be blessed with a daughter named Mary, destined to become the mother of the Messiah. In joyful response, they promised to dedicate their child to God's service within the Temple. Fulfilling this sacred vow, they presented Mary to the Temple at the tender age of three, a pivotal moment in her journey towards becoming the Theotokos and eventually marrying Joseph. Anna passed away at 69, and Joachim at 70, their lives forever intertwined with the dawn of salvation.

The Barren Blessed: Saints Anna and Joachim

Imagine a couple, Anna and Joachim, married for half a century, yet longing for a child that never came. Despite being considered barren, their faith burned brightly. They were remarkably generous, giving away two-thirds of their wealth to the needy and their spiritual home, holding onto only a third for themselves. This peaceful, pious life, however, was always tinged with the quiet ache of an empty cradle.

Then, a profound miracle: the Archangel Gabriel appeared to both of them, delivering the extraordinary news that they would conceive a daughter, to be named Mary. This child, Gabriel revealed, was destined for an unparalleled role – to be the Theotokos, the mother of the Messiah. Overjoyed, Anna and Joachim solemnly vowed to raise Mary in the Temple, dedicating her life to God. At just three years old, they brought her to the Temple, fulfilling their promise. Mary, of course, would indeed become the Theotokos, later joining Joseph in marriage. Anna lived to 69, and Joachim to 70, their lives a humble but essential prelude to divine history.

About Our Icons (Print and Mounted):

Theophany Works Icons are handcrafted reproductions, made with prayer and a desire for excellence. Choose from our standard mounted option on Museum Quality Paper or you may choose to upgrade to Museum Quality Matte Canvas. Both offer a rich print with saturated coloration and are finished with our high-grade UV protection sealant offering a subtle tactile texture that gives our icons a truly authentic feel & can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Additionally, each Maple-shelled panel is prepared with a painted chamfered front edge as well as a round-over on the back edge to give a shadow box effect when hung on the wall. Our Icons come standard with a sliding key-hole slot on the back which allows for balanced hanging. These beautiful American-made reproductions will be a beloved addition to any home or parish at the fraction of the cost of a hand painted icon.

Reviews (0)