Today is Monday,december 9,and teh Orthodox Church celebrates the conception of St. Anne, mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Saint Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary
The Greek name Anna comes from the Hebrew Hana, meaning ”favor, grace”.
According to the respective sources, St. Anne, mother of Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, came from the tribe of Levi. her father’s name was mata, who was a priest, and he was a priest during the reign of Cleopatra. And her mother was called Maria.
It was claimed that St. Anne had the great honor and happiness of having an only daughter, the mother of the Savior of the world. After Saint Anne passed away the Virgin and dedicated her to god, she spent the rest of her life fasting, praying and giving alms to the poor. she peacefully surrendered her right soul to God, with an inheritance of eternal goods. As the Lord himself is sure that “the righteous will be sent to eternal life” (Matthew, verse 46). The righteous, that is, will go on to enjoy eternal life.
Pericalli Temple in honor of St. Anna, built in Constantinople around 550 AD. the emperor Justinian. There is a relic of the Saint in the hermitage of Agia Anna, in the Holy Church of Agia anna Catherine, as well as other places. the Orthodox Church celebrates the birth of St. Anne on December 9 and her Ascension on July 25.
Who do we say “Happy Birthday” to?
Today they celebrate:
Anna, Annita, Annetta, Annabella, Anna Maria, Anne.
How has the veneration of St. Anne influenced modern Orthodox practices?
Interview with Dr. Elena Konstantinou, Theologian and Expert in Early Christian history
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today,Dr.Konstantinou. Today is December 9, and it marks a special festivity in the Orthodox Church—the conception of St. Anne, mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Could you share why this feast day is significant for Orthodox christians?
Dr. Elena Konstantinou: Absolutely, and thank you for having me.The feast of St. Anne is crucial in Orthodox Christianity as it honors the mother of Mary, who played a foundational role in the Christian narrative by giving birth to Jesus Christ. Celebrating her conception highlights the importance of her life and her spiritual legacy, emphasizing themes of favor and grace, which are deeply rooted in her name—Anna comes from the Hebrew Hana.
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating! Could you elaborate more on St. Anne’s heritage and her life as portrayed in past texts?
Dr. Elena Konstantinou: Certainly. According to historical sources,St.Anne is said to have descended from the tribe of Levi, which is significant as Levi’s descendants were the priestly class.Her father, named Mata, was a priest during the reign of Cleopatra, and her mother was named Maria. This lineage adds a layer of honor and divine favor to her character, as she was chosen to be the mother of the Virgin Mary. After Anne’s passing, it’s believed she dedicated herself to fasting, praying, and serving the poor—actions that embody holiness and devotion in Christian teachings.
Time.news Editor: speaking of devotion, how did St. anne’s own religious practices influence her legacy and the practices of the Orthodox faith?
Dr. elena Konstantinou: St. Anne’s focus on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving has carved out a path for Christian women and mothers who aspire to model their lives after her example. This emphasis on piety and service resonates throughout the Orthodox tradition, inspiring countless parishioners to engage in similar acts of charity. Not only was she the mother of mary,but she serves as a virtuous role model whose life reflects dedication—this is central to her legacy in the Church.
time.news Editor: It’s incredible to see how historical figures shape contemporary faith.Can you tell us about the significance of the temples and relics associated with St. Anne?
Dr. Elena Konstantinou: Absolutely. The Pericalli Temple in Constantinople, constructed around 550 AD under Emperor Justinian, is one of the earliest shrines devoted to her. Temples and relics—like those found in the hermitage of Agia Anna—allow the faithful to connect with their heritage. The veneration of St. Anne’s relics highlights a tangible link to the divine and serves as a source of inspiration and hope for many believers. Such sites not only commemorate her life and actions but also reinforce community ties and spiritual fervor within the Orthodox faith.
Time.news Editor: As we celebrate St. Anne’s birth today, you mentioned that names like Anna, Annita, and Annabella are honored. What’s the importance of name celebrations in the Orthodox tradition?
Dr. Elena konstantinou: name days hold grate cultural and spiritual significance in the Orthodox Church.They frequently enough serve as the primary day of celebration for individuals, more so than birthdays as they align with the feast days of saints.People named after St. Anne recieve blessings and well-wishes on this day. It reinforces community bonds among those who share the same names, creating a collective identity rooted in their faith and heritage.
Time.news Editor: what advice would you give to readers who wish to learn more or engage with the teachings of St.Anne?
Dr. Elena Konstantinou: I encourage readers to delve into the rich traditions surrounding St. Anne through prayer and reflection on her life. Visiting churches on her feast days,partaking in community services,or reading texts that explore her significance can be incredibly enriching. Engaging in discussions around her virtues can also help individuals reflect on their own spiritual lives. This connection to St.Anne can be a powerful guide in nurturing virtue,compassion,and faith in today’s world.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Konstantinou, for this enlightening discussion. Your insights into St. Anne and her enduring legacy in the Orthodox Church are truly inspiring.
Dr.Elena Konstantinou: Thank you for the chance to share! It’s crucial to keep these conversations alive as we celebrate our faith and heritage.