Saint Righteous Joachim, who came from the tribe of Judah, was the husband of Anna, the daughter of the priest Matthan. Both spouses were righteous and observed God's commandments, but for a long time remained childless, which brought them sorrow. Joachim, after being humiliated in the temple, withdrew to the wilderness, where he prayed and fasted, asking God for the gift of offspring.
Saint Anna, also grieving over her childlessness, prayed to God and one day, seeing a bird's nest, cried out about her sorrow. An angel appeared to her, announcing the future birth of a daughter, who would be named Mary. Anna promised to dedicate her to the service of God.
The angel also appeared to Joachim, informing him of the same good news. When the spouses met, they glorified God for His mercy. Anna conceived and gave birth to the Most Holy Virgin Mary, who became the Mother of the Savior. Joachim and Anna raised her with great care and reverence.
When Mary turned three years old, her parents brought Her to the temple, fulfilling their promise. Joachim passed away at the age of eighty, and Anna, having become a widow, came to Jerusalem, where she prayed in the temple and soon departed to the Lord at the age of seventy-nine.
Saints Joachim and Anna are honored as God-bearers, and their life is an example of faith and devotion to God.
