The Dormition of Saint Anne, mother of the Most Holy Theotokos; Holy Fathers of the Fifth Ecumenical Synod; St. Cuv. Olympiad and Eupraxiatranslated

Orthodox calendar, July 25 The Dormition of Saint Ana, mother of the Most Holy Theotokos Saint Anna was from the tribe of Levi and was the daughter of Mary and the priest Nathan from the family of Aaron. They lived during the time of Queen Cleopatra of Egypt (69-30 BC).

The priest Natan had three daughters: Maria, married in Bethlehem, gave birth to Salomi; Sovi, also married in Bethlehem, gave birth to Elisabeta, wife of priest Zacharias and mother of Saint John the Baptist; Ana, married in Galilee to Joachim and gave birth to the Most Holy Theotokos.

So Salome, Elizabeth and the Holy Virgin Mary were first cousins.

At the age of three, the Blessed Virgin Mary was taken to the temple in Jerusalem, where she was taught, housed and cared for in one of the temple buildings.

After the death of Joachim, St. Anne went to Jerusalem near the Holy Virgin Mary. She spent the rest of her days in prayer, fasting and good deeds. He passed to the Lord at the age of 79, and Joachim at the age of 80.

Troparion – Voice 4

That which gave birth to Life in the womb you carried, the Pure Mother of God, of God the Thinker, Saint Ana. For…