The holy and blessed Anna, the prophetess, came from the city of Armaeph, and was the wife of Elkanah, a man from the Levitical tribe. Being barren, she grieved greatly and prayed much to God, asking for children. Elkanah, sharing the sacrifice, gave Anna a larger portion, which caused envy in his other wife, Peninnah. Distressed, Anna turned to God with a vow: if He granted her a son, she would dedicate him to the service of the Lord. The high priest Eli, seeing her prayer, blessed her, and soon Anna bore Samuel, who became a prophet. After nursing him, she brought him to Shiloh and dedicated him to the service of God. Anna sang a prayerful song, expressing joy for salvation. Later, she bore three more sons and three daughters and, in deep old age, departed to eternal abodes.
