Bulgarian Orthodox Church honours Saint Anna – the patron saint of family and motherhood

On December 9, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honours the memory of Saint Anne - the mother of Mary, Mother of Jesus.

Saint Anne is considered the patron saint of marriage, family and motherhood.

According to the legend, she and her husband Joachim were unable to conceive a child, even though they tried to do so and really wanted a baby. However, one day an angel came to them and told them that they would have a child. Their daughter Mary was born.

Saint Anne had promised that she would give her child to the service of God, and she kept her holy vow. When Mary was three years old, her parents brought her to the Temple and gave her to the service of the Temple. They did not see her again.