Category: Feasts
The conception of the Holy Virgin Mary by Saint Anna is not described in the Holy Bible; it has been passed down to us through the Sacred Tradition of the Church.
The parents of the Holy Virgin, Saint Joachim and Saint Anna, remained childless for a long time because Anna was barren. One day, while Anna was walking down to the garden to pray, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and brought glad tidings that she would bear a child whom all nations would call blessed. Anna offered her gratitude to God for hearing her unceasing prayers and showing her mercy, promising to dedicate her child to the Lord. This same vision also appeared to Saint Joachim, revealing the joyful news. The father of the Holy Virgin likewise gave glory to the Most High for deeming them worthy of such great grace. The supplications of the pious parents were heard, and a daughter was born to them whom they named Mary, meaning "enlightened." She was the chosen vessel on earth whom God, by virtue of her merits and righteousness, honored to become the Mother of God the Word. As a mother, she worried and suffered for her Son, yet she never faltered or resisted God, fully aware of the importance of the mission entrusted to her by the Most High.
The Armenian Church steadfastly celebrates the Feast of the Conception of the Holy Mother of God by Saint Anna on December 9th.
