Saint Anna the Prophetess

A life of faith

Anna appears in Luke's account of the infant Jesus being brought to the Temple in Jerusalem. She was the daughter of Phanuel, belonged to the tribe of Asher, and had lived many years as a widow after a brief marriage. Luke describes her steady worship through fasting and prayer. When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus, Anna gave thanks to God and spoke about him to people waiting for Jerusalem's redemption. Her witness follows Simeon's recognition of the child. The Church remembers her as an elderly woman whose years of prayer opened into thanksgiving and public testimony to Christ.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

Make time for faithful prayer across ordinary days. Anna's witness shows an older person's voice bringing thanksgiving and hope to the wider community.

Read the Orthodox source

Feast dates follow the linked source. Local calendars and commemorations may vary. Themes describe a saint’s life; quiz suggestions do not assign a baptismal patron. Discuss choosing a patron saint with your priest.