Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Orthodox Christians venerate St. Anna - Mother of the Theotokos 

Photo: Archive

On December 9th we celebrate St. Anna - the mother of the Virgin Mary. Joachim and Anna had been childless for many years and prayed to God to grant them a baby. One day an angel of the Lord appeared to Anna and told her that she would give birth to a daughter, Mary, for the salvation of the world. Grateful for the news, she promised to dedicate the child to God. True to her word, she and her husband took the three-year-old girl to the temple. 

St Anna is the patron saint of marriage, family, motherhood and women. 

The Orthodox Church also honours St. Anna in the summer, on 25 July, when the day of her succession is celebrated. Today's day is known in popular tradition as St. Anne's Winter or St. Anne's Conception. Traditionally, the meal is fasted, as the feast falls during Christmas Lent. 
In Hebrew, the name Anna means grace, mercy, favour. Name Day on 9 December celebrates all those who bear the name Anna, Anka, etc.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

The spirit of old Sofia returns to the heart of the capital with the KvARTal festival

Once upon a time, there was a remarkable neighbourhood where the construction of Old Sofia first took shape. Situated between the Royal Palace and the railway station, it was the main artery of the city - a hub of activity. This area was not only a place..

published on 9/12/24 7:55 AM

Vintage cars from the National Service for Protection fleet exposed at the National History Museum

Vintage cars from the National Service for Protection (NSP) fleet are on display at the National History Museum from today until 15 September. The exhibition marks the 145th anniversary of the service.  Visitors can see four rare vehicles preserved..

published on 9/12/24 7:50 AM
The photo is provided by Alexandra Karamihaleva

"Nativity of the Virgin" - Paligodèn keeps what was bequeathed by St. Apostle Paul

After the great Lord's feast of the Assumption of the Theotokos, the Nativity of the Mother of God is held in special honor in Bulgaria. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates it on September 8, together with the Greek Orthodox Church, and the other..

published on 9/8/24 5:10 AM