Orthodox icon "Joachim and Anna": prayer, history and features

We often offer our prayers to the Lord and the Theotokos, undeservedly avoiding the attention of people who contributed to the coming into the world of the Savior. And their history is just as interesting, how instructive. It is not in vain that the icon "Joachim and Anna" is considered miraculous. Do you know its history? If not, then let's open together the meaning of the icon "Joachim and Anna with the Virgin", to whom she helps, who looks at her with hope.

The legend of Anna and her husband Joachim

In ancient times it was considered shameful not to have children, but it happened. Jehoiakim led his family from King David. It was believed that his father, Varpafir, received a sign from the Lord that the Savior of the world would be born from the seed of his great-grandchildren. Anna was the daughter of Mattan. She was by birth from the family of Judah. These two married and led a righteous life. The only misfortune was in their family - the lack of children. The spouses did not despair, because the feeling is displeasing to the Lord. They prayed and waited for the heir apparent. Much time passed, but the miracle did not happen. One day Joachim decided to take gifts to the city of Jerusalem. At the end of the road, he was in for a terrible disappointment, like a bolt from the blue that struck the heart. The priest did not receive the gifts. He explained to the dejected Joachim that it was wicked for the sinner to make offerings to God, they were not welcome to Him. Probably, the priest had his reasons for such cruel behavior, the legend does not say this. But a righteous man reacted to such news very negatively. He went into the desert, never to appear before the community. Sin tormented his righteous soul.

Spousal fidelity and duty

To understand, than for believers is the icon "Joachim and Anna", it is possible only after having thoroughly studied their history. If you look superficially, it will seem that this is just a story about unhappy people. In fact, they are real heroes. But we will continue. Anna learned how the priest offended her beloved husband. She began to pray to the Lord that she was given a child. It did not occur to a woman to condemn a clergyman, however, like her husband. They trusted this man as a representative of the Lord on earth. Their religious feelings were so deep that the usual critical thoughts for today's people simply did not occur. The couple prayed, Anna was at home, and Joachim was in the desert. We must understand, they accepted their fate as it is, did not grumble and did not take offense. And their entreaties were heard. A miracle happened!

About what the icon "Meeting of Joachim and Anna" tells

The Heavenly Messenger appeared to the spouses. To each this messenger has informed, that at will of the Supreme they will have a daughter. But it will not be a simple girl. She has a special mission. Becoming an adult, she will give birth to the Savior. Heavenly Messenger ordered the spouses to meet in Jerusalem. They immediately went to this city. As God commanded, at the appointed time they had a daughter. They called the girl Mary. As the legend says, shortly after the introduction of the Most Holy Theotokos into the church, her father passed away. At that time, Joachim was already eighty years old. The wife survived him for two years. She went to another world too in her advanced years (79). Agree, this is a real feat - to believe in a miracle until such a venerable age. It is necessary to remember this when you want the icon "Joachim and Anna" to help. The history of the people from whom Jesus descends deserves the most careful and close examination.

An ordinary married couple?

The history and icon of the "Holy Righteous Godfathers Joachim and Anna" teaches Christians true sincere faith. And it consists in the humble acceptance of what the Almighty gives. Sin is considered resistance to the will of the Lord. It is necessary to distinguish between earthly activity and spiritual work, which is not the same thing. The spouses understood, probably, that the appearance of their child is unlikely. Once a year or two, there was no conception, then why it becomes possible in old age? And according to legend, the daughter was born to them, when both were deep in sixty years. And yet they did not despair, they did not give up hope. People firmly believed, a miracle is possible, it will happen when the Lord allows. This is what the icon of "Joachim and Anna" is: do not let despondency into your soul. This feeling is incompatible with true faith. And the Lord will always give exactly what a person deserves.

Icon "Anna and Joachim": what helps?

These saints are addressed by people who have problems in family building. In their lives, Anna and Joachim proved the mercy of the Lord to those who are faithful in love and trust in His help. Therefore, the saints pray for the conception of the baby, about the advice on the upbringing of the child, if there are problems in dealing with him. Women turn to the icon with requests for mitigation of the nature of the spouse. The saints demonstrated incredible fidelity and tenderness of the union. They were more than half a century, they supported each other in grief and suffering. They are addressed by those who feel lonely, having a wife. But most of the prayer words are addressed to holy people who have not received the Supreme Blessing for conception. Doctors put a terrible diagnosis - infertility. However, there are many cases when it turns out to be erroneous. You just need to rely on the Lord's mercy and not give up, do not get discouraged.

How to approach saints

Let's fill in some of the general gaps in religious education. A person, as a rule, is able to find information about which icon to go with his problem. But being in front of the faces of saints, is lost. People are looking for hints in prayer books, do not believe in their ability to talk with those to whose help they decided to resort. Did that teach Jesus? He said that prayer should come from the depths of the heart. It is necessary to speak with God in private, using your feelings, trusting your problems, opening your soul. The texts created by many generations of talented people - only help in the study of the science of communication with the Lord. Think about this when you face the icon of "Joachim and Anna." On the conception of the child to pray with all my heart, believing the Almighty sorrows, the most secret fears, revealing hopes. This is the only way to count on His help.

Conclusion

According to the Christian tradition, before the icon of conception pray for forty days in a row. It should be noted that no one forbids continuing regular treatment of saints. Study the lives of these people, get in touch with their problems and ways of overcoming adversity, which they believed to be true. Over time, the saints will become friends to you, with kindness and compassion, looking at sorrow, ready to "put your shoulder", listen to complaints, rejoice at victories and successes. These people, the Lord gave an extraordinary daughter in his old age. Will you say that you had to suffer for too long? Recall the folk wisdom, which says that the Lord can not afford burdens. And more to cope with them helps with affectionate advice or hint, the person who brings the right leads or the chance of some throws up. Do you see these signs or do you think it's best to be depressed and disbelieving? Look for an answer in the shower before you come to the icon depicting the faces of real heroes, giving the world the opportunity to meet with the Savior.