In the Orthodox calendar, February 16, 2022 is a church holiday - the day of Saints Anna the Prophetess and Simeon the God-Receiver. And our wise ancestors called this day “Keeper of Babies.”
Read in detail about what church holiday February 16 is today and what Orthodox Christians can and cannot do today in the article.
Church Orthodox holidays February 16
Today, February 12, the church also honors Orthodox saints, this is a day of remembrance:
Afterfeast of the Presentation of the Lord
On Sunday, February 16th, Orthodox believers continue to celebrate the Presentation of the Lord. It is customary to attend church services and also read prayers.
Blessed Roman Uglichsky
On February 16, the church honors Prince Roman, the Uglich ruler. After the death of his father Vladimir, Prince Uglich, and his brother Andrei, he assumed the throne at the age of 26. He ruled well, established almshouses, where he received the poor and wretched from all over the principality. Under him, 15 Orthodox churches were built. Prince Roman took part in divine services every day and did not disdain intimate conversations with pious monks. When his wife died in 1280, Roman focused on serving the Lord, fasting, reading prayers and actively participating in charity. The city of Romanov (now Tutaev) was built on the Volga. He died in 1285 and received saint status 300 years after his death.
Equal to the Apostles Nicholas of Japan
The name of St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Japan, is associated with the establishment of the Orthodox faith in Japan. Born in 1836 in the Smolensk province. Father was a local deacon. He graduated from the Belsk Theological School, and then from the Theological Academy in St. Petersburg. At his own request, he went to Japan to spread Orthodoxy in this country. He served in the consular temple located in the city of Hakodate. For half a century of apostolic feat, the Holy Synod in 1970 decided to canonize Nicholas of Japan as a saint, conferring the title “equal to the apostles” prince.
Righteous Anna: Life of the Mother of God
The Mother of God came from the noble and pious family of the priest Matthan, who lived in Bethlehem. Anna was the youngest of three daughters, and the last to marry. Her husband was Joachim from Nazareth, a descendant of King David, while the woman herself descended from Aaron (the brother of the prophet Moses).
Saint Anne is the mother of the Mother of God, and this is the greatest honor for a person. However, the Creator did not send down such a gift right away - at first He tested the righteous woman and her husband for a long time. For 50 years, the couple could not conceive a child, which in those days was considered a terrible dishonor. Joachim was even forbidden to offer sacrifices in the temple, believing that he had somehow angered God. The saddened and humiliated man, who was already in his old age, retired into the desert, and Anna, along with her maid Judith, remained in the city.
The woman suffered greatly from such injustice, because she knew for sure that their family had not sinned before the Lord. But the lonely righteous woman, abandoned by her husband and friends, did not complain - on the contrary, she completely relied on the will of the almighty Creator.
Remembering the story of Abraham and Sarah, who, by the permission of God, conceived a son in old age, Anna vowed that when she gave birth, she would also dedicate her child to higher powers. And as soon as she made her vow, an angel appeared before the righteous woman in a wondrous radiance, announcing that she was to bring into the world the “Most Blessed Daughter,” who should receive the name “Mary.” The delighted woman ran to her husband and met him at the Golden Gate of Jerusalem - Joachim also saw the wonderful messenger. It is these episodes that are most often depicted in the icon of St. Anne.
The conception of the Most Pure Virgin took place on December 22, and on September 22 She was born. In honor of such a joyful event, Joachim organized a great feast, bringing rich sacrifices to the Lord. And after 3 years, the Madonna was brought into the temple for the first time, where the high priest Zechariah greeted Her.
Anna died on August 7, at the age of 79, outliving her husband by two years. Their tombs are located in the Garden of Gethsemane, not far from the sarcophagi of Joseph the Betrothed and the Virgin Mary herself.
What holiday is today? February 16, 2022
February 16, according to the Orthodox calendar, is the day of Saints Anna the Prophetess and Simeon the God-Receiver. Simeon was one of the learned men and sages of Egypt. One day he was translating an ancient book and came across a phrase that the Holy Virgin would bring a baby in her womb. When Simeon wanted to change “Virgo” to “Wife,” an angel appeared to him and warned him that he would be in this world exactly as long as he was convinced of the great prophecy.
According to his life, Simeon lived for about 300 years and was able to go to heaven only after he saw Mary and Joseph with Jesus Christ in the Jerusalem temple and was able to take the Son of God in his arms. Together with Simeon, Christ was also met by the righteous Anna the Prophetess - that is why people call them patrons of children.
Prayer to Anna
This biblical character is considered the patroness of nuns, widows and single childless women. Anna the Prophetess is also considered the patroness of babies.
You need to turn to it to strengthen your strength in order to remain in righteousness, to easily endure fasting, to get rid of sorrow. You can also pray to Anna if a small child is sick.
The text of the prayer is as follows: “Oh, holy servant of God, Anna the Prophetess! Having fought a good fight on earth, you have received in Heaven the crown of righteousness that the Lord has prepared for all who love Him. Ask God to forgive us all our sins and give us strength against the wiles of the devil. Amen".
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What can you do on the day of Saints Anna the Prophetess and Simeon the God-Receiver
It was customary for the righteous Simeon and Anna to pray for the health and happiness of children, to deliver babies from anxiety and night crying.
What you are allowed to do on this day:
- In the folk calendar, February 16 is Pochinki. On this day it was customary to begin preparations for the upcoming spring season. The men inspected field equipment, carts, teams, and horse harnesses. If necessary, they were repaired.
- There was a belief that on this day the brownie could ride horses and drive them to death. To protect the animals, the owners tied mittens, guards and a whip to the horse.
- The housewives prepared dinner for the whole family and always served salamata, a ritual Russian dish. It was made from rye flour or oatmeal with the addition of sour cream or cream. Salamata was baked in a cast iron pot until it turned into porridge.
- On the day of Saints Anna the Prophetess and Simeon the God-Receiver, it was customary to work actively, devoting the entire day to work and household chores. People said that the earlier a person starts working in the morning, the sooner spring will come. Therefore, we tried to start work before dawn.
On Pochinki it was possible to enlist the support of a brownie. To do this, they left him a pot of milk porridge near the stove or in the stable.
Icon of Anna the Prophetess
The prophetess Anna is revered in the Orthodox world as the intercessor of infants. Mothers pray to her if their children are sick and need the protection of Higher Powers.
Saint Anne saw the newborn Jesus and preached the good news. Not only mothers of newborn babies turn to her, but also couples who dream of experiencing the joy of parenthood. The saint’s prayers deliver from evil and negativity, as well as from damage and the evil eye.
History of the icon
According to information that has reached our times, Anna the Prophetess was born into a family of wealthy parents, but led a modest lifestyle and also had a meek character. She got married in her youth and literally seven years later she remained a widow. However, she did not marry a second time and spent the entire time of her life (according to sources, the prophetess lived to the ripe old age of 84 years) in prayer and abstinence. Anna's pious life was accompanied not only by humble prayers. She preached the word of God and was present when the newborn Jesus was carried into the temple. She was honored to spread the good news of the coming of the Savior to all believers.
How does the image of Anna the Prophetess help?
Pious prayers addressed to the saint primarily help newborns get rid of illnesses and illnesses. Childless couples turn to Anna in the hope of the long-awaited news of pregnancy. Anna the Prophetess helps fight the negativity and temptations that await Orthodox believers. Prayers addressed to the image can protect against any evil and protect families from scandals. People turn to her with requests for longevity, prosperity and deliverance from vices. Anna the Prophetess is considered the intercessor of widowed wives, single women and nuns.
Description of the icon
Anna the Prophetess was often depicted on icons dedicated to the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, where artists gave her a place behind the back of the Mother of God. Some of her images appeared later. She is usually depicted in old age, with deep wrinkles and gray hair. In her hands she holds a scroll, which can be folded or unfolded.
Prayer before the icon of the Holy Prophetess Anna
“Holy saint Anna the Prophetess! With your feat, you proved your devotion to our Lord Almighty and spent a righteous life in fervent prayers. Pray, holy one, for our foolish children, so that their illnesses and any evil may be left behind. Grant the childless the joy of motherhood and protect everyone from dashing evil and unkind deeds. Offer prayers to the Lord, so that he may send his blessing upon us and not reject our sincere requests and repentance. Intercede, Anna, for the children of God, so that they are not tormented by illness, sorrow, or the evil thoughts of envious people and ill-wishers. Amen".
Celebration date
Several times a year, Anna the Prophetess is mentioned in solemn liturgies. On September 10 (August 28, old style), the day of remembrance of Anna the Prophetess is celebrated, and on February 16 (3, old style), she is mentioned in connection with the feast of the Presentation of the Lord celebrated the day before.
The icon of Anna the Prophetess is given to mothers with newborn children so that they pray for the health and well-being of their children. She is also approached with other requests, including finding true love and meeting her soulmate. Any sincere prayers will definitely find a response, and you will receive what you so passionately desire. Remember that your requests should not harm other people and should not be based on self-interest or anger.
When to turn to the righteous woman?
By calling on Anna the Prophetess, people get rid of grief, despair, despondency, melancholy and anxiety. The saint heals mental and physical ailments, allows you to cope with negative emotions and the loss of a loved one, overcome apathy and depression. Also, her amber icon will strengthen the souls of those who dream of living righteously, but constantly succumb to temptations and temptations, and will show an example of piety, compassion and moral purity.
The wise old woman especially protects nuns, widows, and unmarried women, keeping them from all troubles and misfortunes. She also takes care of babies and their mothers, preventing illness, injury and missteps. The ascetic also patronizes spouses who cannot conceive a child.
To buy an amber icon made by qualified craftsmen in strict accordance with religious canons, just contact the manager of our online store - and in just a few days your home collection of relics will be replenished with a new magnificent shrine!
Prayer to Joachim and Anna
First prayer: Oh, holy righteous people, Godfathers Joachim and Anna! Pray to the Merciful Lord that He would turn away His anger from us, righteously moved against us by our deeds, and for our countless sins would not consider us unworthy, and would turn us, the servants of God (names), to the path of repentance and to the path of His commandments would strengthen us. Also, with your prayers in the world, preserve our life, and ask for good assistance in all good things, granting us everything we need for life and piety from God, from all misfortunes and troubles and unexpected death, through your intercession, delivering us and protecting us from all enemies, visible and invisible, and So let us pass through this temporary life in peace and reach eternal rest, where through your holy prayers may we be worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom of Christ our God, to Whom, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, befits glory, honor and worship forever and ever.
Second prayer: O ever-glorious righteous people of Christ, the holy Fathers of God Joachim and Anna, who stand before the Heavenly Throne of the Great King and have great boldness towards Him, also from your Most Blessed Daughter, the Most Pure Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, who wished to be incarnate! We, sinners and unworthy, resort to you, as powerful intercessors and zealous intercessors for us. Pray for His goodness, may He turn away His anger from us, which is righteously approaching us through our deeds, and may He, having seen our countless sins, turn us to the path of repentance and may He establish us on the path of His commandments. Also, with your prayers in the world, preserve our life and ask for good haste in all good things, give us everything we need for life and piety from God, through your intercession deliver us from all misfortunes and troubles and accidental death, and protect us from all enemies, visible and invisible, so that We lived a calm and silent life in all godliness and purity (1 Tim. 2:2), and also, when we pass through life in this temporary world, we would achieve eternal peace, and through your holy supplication we would be worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom of Christ our God, Who is with the Father and To the Most Holy Spirit be glory, honor and worship forever and ever. Amen.
Life of Saint Anne
Saint Anne was one of the youngest daughters of a church official. When the girl grew up, she was married to Joachim, heir to the family of David. It was believed that it was in the line of David that Christ would be born.
Anna and her husband lived in the city of Nazareth. The couple lived there for many years, but even in their old age the Lord did not give them a child. They suffered a lot because of this. Every day Joachim and Anna went to church and prayed, and donated part of their income to the temple.
For all their troubles, the spouses blamed only themselves, believing that they did not believe in God enough and were punished for this.
One day Anna saw a nest with birds on a tree. She leaned on the branch with her hand and tearfully prayed to the Lord for a child. Anna promised that if she had a child, she would give it to God. At that same moment, an Angel appeared before the woman, announcing to Anna that a baby would soon appear in their family. He ordered the girl to be named Mary and said that she would bring blessings to all the peoples of Egypt. Anna was delighted and went to the temple, where she once again pronounced the words of the vow.
On the same day, an Angel appeared to Joachim. He told the family to move to Jerusalem, where a girl was to be born. When Maria was three years old, her parents kept their promise and sent her to serve in the temple. Anna and her husband were already very old, and soon after they sent their daughter to the monastery, they died.
In our time, Anna and Jokima are considered the ancestors of the Mother of God. Women who want to get pregnant pray to them. The Feast of the Conception is considered the best reason to turn to them with prayer. The monastery of St. Anne was built on Mount Athos in the 10th century, then a whole cathedral was built in its place. Saint Anne is venerated on December 22, August 7 and September 22.
