The Departure of Saint Anna, the mother of the Saint Mary
November 19, 2021
The pious and righteous Saint Anna (Hannah), the mother of our Lady, the Holy virgin Saint Mary, the Mother of God, departed on November 20. This Holy woman was the daughter of Matthan, the son of Levi, the son of Melki, who was a descendant of Aaron the priest. Her mother’s name was Mary (Mariam) and she was from the tribe of Judah.
Matthan had three daughters. The first was called Mary after her mother, and she was the mother of Salome, the midwife. The second was Sophia, the mother of Elizabeth, the mother of Saint John the Baptist. The third was Saint Anna (Hannah), the wife of the righteous man Joachim, who was of the tribe of Judah. She was the mother of our Lady, the holy virgin Saint Mary, the Mother of the Savior of the world. So our Lady the Virgin Saint Mary, Salome, and Elizabeth cousins.
While, we know little about Saint Anna, having been chosen to be the mother of the Mother of God in the flesh is an indication of her virtues and righteousness, which distinguished her from other women to have this great grace. Because she was barren, she entreated God to take away her shame. So the Lord gave her a daughter that delighted her eyes and the eyes of all mankind; she is the Virgin Saint Mary, the Mother of the Savior of the world.
Her intercession be for us all. Amen!
Source: Coptic Synaxarium, The Eleventh Day of the Blessed Month of Hatour, Page 94
