We often offer our prayers to the Lord and the Mother of God, undeservedly ignoring the people who contributed to the coming of the Savior into the world. And their story is as interesting as it is instructive. It is not in vain that the icon "Joachim and Anna" is considered miraculous. Do you know her story? If not, then let's discover together what is the meaning of the icon "Joachim and Anna with the Mother of God", who it helps, who looks at it with hope.
The legend of Anna and her husband Joachim
In the old days it was considered shameful not to have children, but it happened. Joachim descended 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 Matthan. She was from the family of Judah by her mother. The two got married and led a righteous life. There was only one misfortune in their family - the absence of children. Spouses are notdespaired, because this feeling is not pleasing to the Lord. They prayed and waited for the desired heir to appear. A lot of time has passed, but the miracle did not happen. Once Joachim decided to take gifts to the city of Jerusalem. At the end of the journey, a terrible disappointment awaited him, like a bolt from the blue, striking in the very heart. The priest did not accept the gifts. He explained to the dejected Joachim that it is not good for a sinner to make offerings to God, they are displeasing to Him. It is likely that the priest had his own reasons for such cruel behavior, the legend does not speak of this. But the righteous man reacted very negatively to such news. He went into the desert, never to appear before society. Sin tormented his righteous soul.
Fidelity and duty
Understand what the icon "Joachim and Anna" is for believers only by fully studying their history. If you look superficially, it will seem that this is just a story about unfortunate people. In fact, they are the real heroes. But let's continue. Anna found out how the priest offended her beloved husband. She began to pray to the Lord that she would be given a child. It did not occur to the woman to condemn the clergyman, however, like her husband. They trusted this man as the Lord's representative on earth. Their religious feelings were so deep that the critical thoughts common to today's people simply did not occur. The couple prayed, Anna at home, and Joachim in the desert. You need to understand that they accepted their fate as it is, did not grumble or be offended. Andtheir prayers were heard. A miracle happened!
What the icon "Meeting of Joachim and Anna" tells about
The Heavenly Herald appeared to the spouses. This messenger informed each that by the will of the Almighty they would have a daughter. But this will not be an ordinary girl. She has a special mission. As an adult, she will give birth to the Savior. The Heavenly Messenger ordered the couple to meet in Jerusalem. They immediately went to this city. As the Lord commanded, in due time they had a daughter. They named the girl Mary. As the legend says, shortly after the introduction of the Most Holy Theotokos into the temple, her father died. At that time, Joachim was already eighty years old. His wife survived him by two years. She also departed to another world at an advanced age (79). Agree, this is a real feat - to believe in a miracle until such a venerable age. This must be remembered when you want the icon "Joachim and Anna" to help. The history of the people from whom Jesus is descended deserves the most careful and careful consideration.
Regular married couple?
The story and icon of the "Holy Righteous Fathers of God Joachim and Anna" teaches Christians the real sincere faith. And it consists in humbly accepting what the Almighty gives. It is sin to resist the will of God. It is necessary to distinguish between earthly activity and spiritual work, which is not the same thing. The couple understood, probably, that the appearance of a child with them is unlikely. If conception has not occurred in a year or two, then why will it become possible in old age? And according to legend, a daughter was born to them when both were deeplysixty years old. And yet they did not despair, did not give up hope. People firmly believed that a miracle is possible, it will happen when the Lord allows. This is what the icon “Joachim and Anna” is about: you can’t let despondency into your soul. This feeling is incompatible with real faith. And the Lord will always give exactly what a person deserves.
The icon "Anna and Joachim": what helps?
People who have problems in family building turn to these saints. With their lives, Anna and Joachim proved the mercy of the Lord to those who are faithful to love and trust in His help. Therefore, the saints are prayed for the conception of a child, for advice on raising a child, if there are problems in relations with him. Women turn to the icon with requests to soften the character of their spouse. The Saints demonstrated incredible fidelity and tenderness in union. They have been side by side for more than half a century, supporting each other in grief and suffering. They are approached by those who feel lonely, having a spouse. But most of all 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 where it turns out to be wrong. You just need to trust in the mercy of the Lord and not give up, do not become discouraged.
How to address saints
Let's fill in some common gaps in religious education. A person, as a rule, is able to find information on which icon to go with his problem. But being in front of the faces of the saints,is lost. People are looking for clues in prayer books, they do not believe in their ability to talk with those whose help they decide to resort to. Is that what Jesus taught? 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 him with your problems, opening your soul. The texts created by many generations of talented people are only an aid in studying the science of communication with the Lord. Think about this when the icon "Joachim and Anna" appears in front of you. You should pray for the conception of a child with all your heart, trusting the Almighty with sorrows, the most secret fears, revealing hopes. Only in this way can one count on His help.
Conclusion
According to Christian tradition, before the icon, they pray for conception for forty days in a row. It should be noted that no one forbids the continuation of regular treatment of saints. Study the lives of these people, imbued with their problems and ways to overcome adversity, which they considered true. Over time, the saints will become your friends, looking with kindness and compassion at sorrows, ready to “turn a shoulder”, listen to complaints, rejoice at victories and successes. The Lord gave these people an extraordinary daughter already in her old age. Would you say that you had to suffer too long? Recall the folk wisdom that says that the Lord does not give hardships beyond our strength. And he also helps to cope with them with affectionate advice or a hint, he brings the right person down or throws up some kind of chance. Do you see these signs or do you consider it better to sink into despondency and unbelief? Look for the answer in your soulbefore you approach the icon depicting the faces of real heroes who gave the world the opportunity to meet the Savior.
