Sts Joachim and Anna

Joachim, of the tribe of Judah and the house of David, and Anna, daughter of the priest Matthan, lived at Nazareth in love and devotion, but they were childless into old age and bore the scorn of neighbors, since childlessness was counted a disgrace. They never grumbled, but prayed. At a great feast the priest refused Joachim's offering as unworthy; grieved, he went into the wilderness to fast and pray for forty days, while Anna wept and prayed at home, vowing to give her child to God. An angel announced to each of them that a daughter would be born through whom salvation would come to the whole world, and Anna conceived the Virgin Mary. They brought her to the Temple at three. Orthodox Christians honor them as the grandparents of Christ and pray to them especially for the gift of children and for a faithful, happy marriage.

Orthodox Christians keep three commemorations (9 Sep, 9 Dec, 25 Jul); Catholics honor them together on 26 July and celebrate the Immaculate Conception on 8 December, a different teaching from the Orthodox feast of Anna's conception on 9 December. The story of their prayer and the angel comes from the Protoevangelium of James, received by Church tradition and hymnography though outside Scripture. Name days for Anna vary: Greeks usually keep 9 Dec or 25 Jul.