Saints Joachim and Anne

In Christian tradition, the parents of Mother Mary are believed to be Saints Joachim and Anne. Although their names do not appear in the Bible, the story of their lives and relationship with their daughter Mary has been preserved in various apocryphal texts, as well as in art, music, and literature.

According to the Protoevangelium of James, a non-canonical early Christian text, Joachim was a wealthy and respected man from Nazareth, while Anne was from Bethlehem. They were childless for many years, which was considered a great shame in Jewish society at that time. Joachim was mocked by his fellow priests, who believed that his childlessness was a sign of God's displeasure. In response, Joachim went to the desert to fast and pray for forty days and forty nights, hoping to receive a vision from God.

During this time, Anne also prayed fervently for a child. One day, she received a message from an angel telling her that she would conceive a child, who would be blessed by God and become the mother of the Messiah. When Joachim returned from his fast, he and Anne were overjoyed to learn that Anne was pregnant. They gave thanks to God and vowed to dedicate their child to His service.

When Mary was born, Joachim and Anne rejoiced and gave thanks to God. They raised Mary in a devout Jewish home, teaching her the Scriptures and encouraging her to love and serve God. According to tradition, Joachim and Anne also played a role in Mary's education and spiritual development. They were said to have been faithful and loving parents, who supported and encouraged their daughter throughout her life.

Although there is no historical evidence to support the story of Joachim and Anne, their lives and relationship with their daughter Mary have had a profound impact on Christian tradition. The veneration of Joachim and Anne as saints has been a part of Christian worship since at least the sixth century. In many cultures, they are honored as the patron saints of grandparents and the elderly, and their feast day is celebrated on July 26.

The story of Joachim and Anne reflects the importance of family and the role of parents in nurturing the faith of their children. Their devotion to God and their love for their daughter Mary serve as a model for all Christian families, inspiring us to seek God's will for our lives and to support and encourage one another in our spiritual journeys.