St Anna the Prophetess

St. Anna the Prophetess Feast Day and Greek Name Day

St. Anna the Prophetess is honored in the Orthodox Christian Church as the devout woman who recognized the infant Jesus as the Messiah when He was brought to the Temple in Jerusalem. Her feast day is celebrated on February 3, and on this day people named Anna, Ana, Ann, Anne, Annie, Annette, and Anoula celebrate their Greek name day.

Who Was St. Anna the Prophetess

St. Anna the Prophetess lived in Jerusalem during the time of the birth of Jesus Christ. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher and was known for her deep devotion to God.

After the early death of her husband, she devoted the rest of her life to prayer and worship in the Temple, where she spent many years fasting and praying.

Witness to the Messiah

According to the Gospel of Luke, St. Anna was present in the Temple when Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to fulfill the traditions of the Law. At that moment she recognized the child as the promised Messiah.

She gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to those who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Greek Name Day for Anna

Because St. Anna the Prophetess is commemorated on February 3, this date is also the Greek name day for:

Anna

Ana

Ann

Anne

Annie

Annette

Anoula

In Greek culture, celebrating a name day is often just as important as celebrating a birthday, and friends and family commonly offer well wishes or visits to honor the person whose name is being celebrated.

When Is St. Anna the Prophetess Celebrated

The feast day of St. Anna the Prophetess is observed each year on February 3 in the Greek Orthodox Church. She is remembered for her devotion to prayer and for recognizing the coming of the Messiah.