Righteous Righteous Anna the Prophetess

Righteous Anna the Prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, belonged to the tribe of Asher. Married for seven years, she was widowed and thereafter, into extreme old age, lived a life of strict asceticism, "not departing from the temple, serving God with fastings and prayers night and day" (Luke 2:37). For her piety, Anna received from God the gift of prophecy.

At the age of 84 she was granted to witness, in the Jerusalem Temple, the infant Christ, brought by the Most Holy Theotokos and righteous Joseph for dedication to God according to the Law of Moses. At that moment righteous Simeon the God-Receiver uttered his prophetic words about the Savior and the Most Pure Virgin, and Anna, present there, gave thanks to God and began proclaiming the coming of the Messiah to all who awaited the redemption of Israel.

This event — the Presentation of the Lord (Sretenie) — is celebrated by the Church on February 2 (O.S.)/15 (N.S.), and the following day, February 3 (O.S.)/16 (N.S.), the Church commemorates Righteous Anna together with Righteous Simeon. Anna is venerated among the righteous as a model of pious widowhood, unceasing prayer, and faithful expectation of Christ's coming.