THE FEAST OF THE HOLY ANCESTORS OF GOD JOACHIM AND ANNA AT THE PATRIARCHATE

On Friday, September 9/22, 2023, the Synaxis of the Theotokos’ parents Joachim and Anna was celebrated. The Holy Ancestors of God were given a child from God at an old age, and offered Mary the Mother of our Lord to God as the hymnographer says:

“She that was released by prayer from the bonds of here sometime barrenness, doth call us to celebrate with her because of the wonder, and to offer gifts unto her that is born, while entreating her with longing, before whom the virgins ran on aforetime, dancing and crying out: behold, the restoration of all is come; behold, Adam is set free; for Anna hath budded with fruit, even the only pure Mother who hath not known man” (Oikos).

For this feast the Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Holy Monastery dedicated to them, the former house of Joachim and Anna by the Sheep’s Pool, according to the testimony of Saint John of Damascus, next to Saint Stephen’s Gate of the Wall of the Old City of Jerusalem.

The Divine Liturgy was officiated by His Eminence Theodosios of Sebasteia, with Archimandrites Ieronymos and Makarios and Hierodeacon Dositheos. The chanting was delivered by Mr Angelos Gianopoulos as the service was attended by monks, nuns, local Christians and pilgrims.

After the Divine Liturgy the renovator of the Shrine and the Church, Hegoumen Archimandrite Meletios hosted a reception for the Episcopal entourage and the congregation.

From Secretariat-General