Sts Joachim and Anna Parents of the Theotokos

Sts. Joachim and Anna Parents of the Theotokos Feast Day and Greek Name Day

Sts. Joachim and Anna, Parents of the Theotokos, are honored in the Orthodox Christian Church as the righteous parents of the Virgin Mary and the grandparents of Jesus Christ. Their feast day is celebrated on September 9, and on this day people named Joachim, Ioakeim, Achim, Joachimios, Joachimios, Anna, Anne, Ann, Annie, Anny, Anitsa, Annoula, Anneta, and Anita, among other variations, celebrate their Greek name day.

Who Were Sts. Joachim and Anna

Sts. Joachim and Anna are revered as the parents of the Virgin Mary, known in the Orthodox Church as the Theotokos, meaning “God-bearer.”

According to Church tradition, Joachim and Anna were a devout Jewish couple who lived in Jerusalem and faithfully followed the teachings of God.

Their Prayer for a Child

For many years Joachim and Anna remained without children, which in their time was often seen as a sign of misfortune. Despite this hardship, they continued to pray and trust in God.

Their prayers were eventually answered when Anna gave birth to a daughter, Mary, who would later become the Mother of Jesus Christ.

Their Role in Christian Tradition

Because of their role as the parents of the Theotokos, Sts. Joachim and Anna hold an honored place in Christian tradition. Their story reflects faith, patience, and trust in God’s plan.

They are remembered as part of the sacred family that prepared the way for the coming of Christ into the world.

Greek Name Day for Joachim and Anna

Because Sts. Joachim and Anna are commemorated on September 9, this date is also the Greek name day for:

Joachim

Ioakeim

Achim

Joachimios

Anna

Anne

Ann

Annie

Anny

Anitsa

Annoula

Anneta

Anita

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

When Sts. Joachim and Anna Are Celebrated

The feast of Sts. Joachim and Anna, Parents of the Theotokos, is observed each year on September 9 in the Greek Orthodox Church. The day honors the parents of the Virgin Mary and their faithful role in the story leading to the birth of Christ.