SAINT IOAKIM AND ANNA

Description They are the parents of Mary. Ioakim was the son of Eliakim and descendant of David. His name means "the one who was elevated by God". Saint Anna met Ioakim from Galilee and married him. They remained childless for many years and due to their persistent, heartfelt prayers, they had a daughter who was destined to become the mother of Jesus, the Virgin Mary. According to tradition her parents dedicated Mary in the service of the Temple of Jerusalem at the age of three. Virgin Mary was orphaned by both her parents during her childhood, at the age of 11 to 12. Throughout their lives they lived modestly and humbly and breathed into Virgin Mary their faith and love in God. In honor of the mother of the Virgin a large amount of ecclesial hymns were created and the Emperor Justinian named a Church in Constantinople after her. The memory of both Ioakim and Anna is celebrated on September 9, the day following the birthday of Virgin Mary.

Silkscreen icon, crafted on canvas with gold background.