Bishop Veniamin on the example of Saints Joachim and Ana: Let us be patient when we go through trialstranslated

Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia on Tuesday urged the faithful of the "Holy Fathers Joachim and Ana" Parish in Ghioltosu, Rep. Moldova, to follow the example of the protectors of the community.

"Let us be patient when we go through trials, let us not be discouraged and fight until the end, because God can change things for the benefit of people," said the hierarch on the occasion of the patron saint celebrated according to the unrevised calendar.

His Eminence showed the steadfastness of Saints Joachim and Anna, who, although they reached old age without children, did not give up prayer and trust in God.

"Despite the wickedness of men, they remained steadfast in their faith. Joachim retired to the wilderness, spending time in fasting and prayer, and God, seeing his prayer and the lamentation of Anna, had mercy on this family and sent His angel to announce to them the blessing of the birth of a child."

"Saint Ana gave birth, in her old age, to the one who was chosen by God so that the Word of God would become incarnate from her. Through the birth of the Child Mary, our salvation begins," the bishop said.

God can change everything Most Holy Father…