Anna the Prophetess
Anna the Prophetess was an elderly woman mentioned in the Gospel of Luke who prophesied about Jesus at the Temple of Jerusalem. She is remembered for her devout worship and her acknowledgment of Jesus as the awaited redeemer of Jerusalem.
- Feast Day
- February 3
- Century
- 1st century
- Country Or Region
- Jerusalem
Key Facts
- ›Anna was a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, and a member of the tribe of Asher.
- ›She was widowed after seven years of marriage.
- ›She lived in the Temple of Jerusalem, worshiping night and day through fasting and prayer.
- ›She spoke about Jesus to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
- ›Her exact age is ambiguous, with interpretations suggesting she was either 84 years old or had been a widow for 84 years.
Anna, Ḥana, Ánna, Anna the Prophetess
Icons of the Presentation of Christ
About Anna the Prophetess
Anna, also known by her Hebrew name Ḥana and Greek name Ánna, is a significant figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke. Distinguished as Anna the Prophetess, she is presented as an elderly woman of the Tribe of Asher who played a role in the early events surrounding Jesus.
Life and Historical Context
According to Luke 2:36–38, Anna was the daughter of Phanuel. She was married and lived with her husband for seven years before becoming a widow. The Gospel states she remained a widow until she was eighty-four years old, though the exact interpretation of this age is debated among scholars, with some suggesting she may have been around 105 if it refers to the duration of her widowhood.
Anna was exceptionally devout, described as never leaving the temple but worshiping night and day, engaging in fasting and prayer. Her life was dedicated to spiritual observance within the Temple of Jerusalem.
Prophecy and Significance
Anna's notable act was her encounter at the Temple with Jesus during his presentation. Upon seeing the child, she "gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem." This moment marks her as a prophetess who recognized the divine significance of Jesus.
The Eastern Orthodox Church considers Anna, along with Simeon the God-Receiver, as the last prophets of the Old Testament. Orthodox tradition views their meeting with Christ as the moment when Christ met his people, Israel, represented by these two figures.
Veneration
Both the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church commemorate Anna the Prophetess as a saint. Her feast is observed on February 3rd (or February 16th in the Julian calendar), often in conjunction with the Presentation of Christ, which the Orthodox Church calls "The Meeting of Our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ." She is also depicted in icons portraying the Presentation of Christ, alongside the Holy Child, the Virgin Mary, Joseph, and Simeon.
Anna is recognized as a confessor, a witness to the faith, whose life of devotion and prophetic insight holds a cherished place in Christian tradition.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Anna the Prophetess?
Anna the Prophetess was an elderly woman mentioned in the Gospel of Luke. She was a devout worshiper who prophesied about Jesus at the Temple of Jerusalem.
What tribe did Anna belong to?
According to the Gospel of Luke, Anna was of the tribe of Asher.
What is known about Anna's marital status and age?
Anna was widowed after seven years of marriage. The biblical text is ambiguous regarding her age, with interpretations suggesting she was either 84 years old or had been a widow for 84 years.
How is Anna venerated in the Church?
The Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church commemorate Anna as a saint, known as Anna the Prophetess. The Eastern Orthodox Church considers her one of the last prophets of the Old Testament.
When is Anna the Prophetess's feast day?
Anna the Prophetess is commemorated on February 3 in the Byzantine rite of the Catholic Church and by the Eastern Orthodox Church. This date follows the Presentation of Christ.
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