Prayer to the Lord God for the gift of children. Holy Righteous Joachim and Anna

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 history 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 the meaning of the icon “Joachim and Anna with the Virgin Mary” is, who it helps, who looks at it with hope.

The legend of Anna and her husband Joachim

In ancient times 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-grandsons. Anna was the daughter of Matthan. On her mother's side, she was from the clan of Judah. The two got married and led a righteous life. There was only one misfortune in their family - the absence of children. The couple did not despair, since this feeling was displeasing to the Lord. They prayed and waited for the desired heir to appear. A lot of time passed, but no miracle happened. One day Joachim decided to take the gifts to the city of Jerusalem. At the end of the journey, a terrible disappointment awaited him, like a bolt from the blue, striking him in the very heart. The priest did not accept the gifts. He explained to the dejected Joachim that it is inappropriate for a sinner to make offerings to God, they are displeasing to Him. Probably the priest had his own reasons for such cruel behavior, the legend does not talk about this. But the righteous man reacted very negatively to such news. He went into the desert to never appear before society. Sin tormented his righteous soul.

Marital fidelity and duty

It is possible to 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 unhappy people. In fact, they are the real heroes. But let's continue. Anna found out how the priest had 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, nor did her husband. They trusted this man as the Lord's representative on earth. Their religious feelings were so deep that critical thoughts common to modern people simply did not occur to them. The couple prayed, Anna was at home, and Joachim was in the desert. You need to understand that they accepted their fate as it was, did not complain or be offended. And their prayers were heard. A miracle happened!

What does the icon “Meeting of Joachim and Anna” tell about?

The Heavenly Messenger appeared to the couple. This messenger informed everyone that by the will of the Almighty they would have a daughter. But it won't be simple girl. She has a special mission. As an adult, she will give birth to the Savior. The Heavenly Messenger ordered the spouses to meet in Jerusalem. They immediately went to this city. As the Lord commanded, at the right time they had a daughter. The girl was named Maria. As the legend says, soon 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 went to another world too old age(79). Agree, it is a real feat to believe in miracles at such a respectable age. You need to remember this when you want the icon “Joachim and Anna” to help. The history of the people from whom Jesus comes deserves the most careful and careful consideration.

An ordinary married couple?

The story and icon of the “Holy Righteous Fathers Joachim and Anna” teaches Christians true sincere faith. And it lies in the humble acceptance of what the Almighty gives. Resistance to the will of the Lord is considered a sin. It is necessary to distinguish between earthly activities and spiritual work, which are not the same thing. The couple probably understood that having a child was unlikely. Once conception has not occurred after a year or two, why will it become possible in old age? And according to legend, their daughter was born when they were both well over sixty years old. And yet they did not despair, did not give up hope. People firmly believed that a miracle was possible, it would happen when the Lord allowed it. This is what the icon “Joachim and Anna” is about: you cannot let despondency enter your soul. This feeling is incompatible with real faith. And the Lord will always give exactly what a person deserves.

Icon “Anna and Joachim”: what does it help with?

People who have problems in family building turn to these saints. With their lives, Anna and Joachim proved the mercy of the Lord towards those who are faithful to love and trust in His help. Therefore, the saints pray 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 of the union. They were close for more than half a century, supporting each other in grief and suffering. Those who feel lonely with a spouse turn to them. But most of the prayer words are addressed to saints who have not received the Supreme blessing for conception. Doctors make 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 or become discouraged.

How to contact the saints

Let's fill in some common gaps in religious education. A person, as a rule, is able to find information about which icon to go to with his problem. But when you find yourself in front of it, you get lost. People look for clues in prayer books and do not believe in their ability to talk with those whose help they have decided to resort to. Is this what Jesus taught? He said that prayer must come from the depths of the heart. You need to talk to God alone, using your feelings, trusting him with your problems, opening your soul. Texts created by many generations of talented people are only help 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 your sorrows, your most secret fears, and revealing your hopes. This is the only way to count on His help.

Conclusion

According to Christian tradition, people pray in front of the icon for conception for forty days in a row. It should be noted that no one forbids continuing regular treatment of the saints. Study the lives of these people, understand their problems and ways of overcoming adversity that they considered true. Over time, the saints will become your friends, looking at sorrows with kindness and compassion, ready to lend a shoulder, listen to complaints, and rejoice in victories and successes. The Lord gave these people an extraordinary daughter in old age. Would you say that you had to suffer for too long? Remember the popular wisdom that says that the Lord does not give hardships beyond one’s strength. And it also helps to cope with them with gentle advice or a hint; he lets the right person down or gives him some chance. Do you see these signs or do you think it’s better to plunge into despondency and unbelief? Look for the answer in your soul before you approach the icon depicting the faces of real heroes who gave the world the opportunity to meet the Savior.

The holy, righteous Joachim, his father Barpaphir, was the grandson of King David. To whom the Lord gave the word that from his seed of great-grandchildren, the Savior of the world would appear. Righteous Anna was the daughter of Matthan, and was from the tribe of Levi on her father’s side, and from the tribe of Judah on her mother’s side.

St. Joachim and Anna lived in Nazareth of Galilee. They had no children until they were old. They endured laughter in the back, since not having children was considered a shame. They were not angry, not offended, every day, praying and trusting in the will of the Lord. No time, celebrating great holiday, those gifts that St. He took the righteous Joachim with him to Jerusalem, for the purpose of not accepting the priest Reuben, he believed that a person who did not have children was not worthy to sacrifice to the Lord. Saint Joachim was very sad, considering himself a sinner, he did not return home, being surrounded by loneliness in a deserted place.

What is the help of strong prayer to Saints Joachim and Anna

When Anna found out what humiliation her husband had to go through, while praying during fasting, she tearfully asked the Lord to give her a child. Joachim also asked for the same thing in desert solitude and fasting. And the prayers for the birth of a child of the righteous spouses were heard: God informed both of them about born daughter they, who blessed her, have the entire human race. By order of the Heavenly Messenger, Saints Anna and Joachim met in Jerusalem, where, according to the promise of the Lord, their daughter was born, named Mary the Most Holy. Soon after the introduction of the Most Holy Theotokos into the temple, Joachim died, he was about 80 years old, St. Anna survived him by two years and passed away at the age of 79 years. Temples call the saints “Godfathers” because they were the ancestors of Jesus Christ.

At the end of the 10th century, a monument to St. Anne was erected on Mount Athos. stolen over a long period of time by sea pirates. And in the 17th century it was restored by Patriarch Dionysius of Constantinople, who bought the saint’s foot. In 1680, a cathedral church was built in memory of St. Anne

They pray to Saints Joachim and Anna for the speedy conception of a child and relief from infertility. You can also ask the saints for guidance, proper upbringing child. According to legend, the righteous also help protect against sudden death and dashing misfortune.

By Christian traditions To be cured of infertility, you are supposed to read prayers for 40 days - every day. This must be observed at all times strict fast. For breakfast only prosphora, for dinner only vegetables. The fast itself is not as important as the sincerity, faith, and good development of the soul of the person asking.

Read the text of the prayer to the holy Godfathers Joachim and Anna for children

About the ever-glorifying righteous women of Christ, the holy Godfathers Joachim and Anno, who stand before the heavenly throne of the Great King and have great boldness towards Him, as from your most blessed daughter, the Most Pure Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, who deigned to be incarnate, to you, as a powerful intercessor and zealous intercessors for us, We resort to sin and unworthiness. Pray for His goodness, that He may turn away His anger from us, righteously moved towards us by our deeds, and may, having despised our countless sins, turn us to the path of repentance and may He establish us on the path of His commandments. Also, with your prayers, preserve our life in the world and ask for all good haste, everything that we need from God for life and piety, from all misfortunes and troubles and vain deaths, through your intercession, delivering us, and protecting us from all enemies, visible and invisible. , for let us live a quiet and silent life in all piety and purity, and so in the world this temporary life has passed, we will achieve eternal peace, where by your holy prayer, may we be made worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom of Christ our God, to which, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, all glory is due , honor and worship forever and ever. Amen.

Read the text of the Orthodox prayer to Saints Joachim and Anna for a happy marriage

O holy righteous woman, Godfathers Joachim and Anno! Pray to the Merciful Lord, that He may turn away His anger from us, righteously moved against us by our deeds, and may, despising our countless sins, turn us, the servant of God (names), to the path of repentance, and may He establish us on the path of His commandments. Also, with your prayers in the world, save our life, and in all good things, ask for good haste, all that we need from God for life and piety, from all misfortunes and troubles and sudden death, through your intercession, delivering us and protecting us from all enemies, visible and invisible, and Thus, having passed this temporary life in the world, we will achieve eternal peace, where by your holy supplication may we be worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom of Christ our God, to whom, together with the Father and the Most Holy Spirit, be due all glory, honor and worship forever and ever.

Hear us, Merciful and Almighty God, may Your grace be sent down through our prayer. Be merciful, Lord, to our prayer, remember Your law about the multiplication of the human race and be a merciful Patron, so that with Your help what You have established will be preserved. By Your sovereign power You created everything out of nothing and laid the foundation for everything that exists in the world - You created man in Your image and, with a sublime mystery, sanctified the union of marriage and the foreshadowing of the mystery of the unity of Christ with the Church. Look, O Merciful One, on these Thy servants (names) united in marital union and begging for Thy help, may Thy mercy be upon them, may they be fruitful and may they see the sons of their sons even to the third and fourth generation and live and enter into the desired old age into the Kingdom of Heaven through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom is all glory, honor and worship due, together with the Holy Spirit, forever. Amen.

Righteous Joachim and Anna, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

These saints bore bitter barrenness until old age, but then, with the blessing of God, they gave birth to the Most Holy Virgin Mary.

First prayer

O holy righteous woman, Godfathers Joachim and Anno! Pray to the Merciful Lord, that He may turn away His anger from us, righteously moved against us by our deeds, and may, despising our countless sins, turn us, the servant of God (names), to the path of repentance, and may He establish us on the path of His commandments. Also, with your prayers in the world, save our life, and in all good things, ask for good haste, all that we need from God for life and piety, from all misfortunes and troubles and sudden death, through your intercession, delivering us and protecting us from all enemies, visible and invisible, and Thus, having passed this temporary life in the world, we will achieve eternal peace, where by your holy supplication may we be worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom of Christ our God, to whom, together with the Father and the Most Holy Spirit, be due all glory, honor and worship forever and ever.

Second prayer

About the ever-glorifying righteous women of Christ, the holy Godfathers Joachim and Anno, who stand before the heavenly throne of the Great King and have great boldness towards Him, as from your most blessed daughter, the Most Pure Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, who deigned to be incarnate, to you, as a powerful intercessor and zealous intercessors for us, We resort to sin and unworthiness. Pray for His goodness, that He may turn away His anger from us, righteously moved towards us by our deeds, and may, having despised our countless sins, turn us to the path of repentance and may He establish us on the path of His commandments. Also, with your prayers, preserve our life in the world and ask for all good haste, everything that we need from God for life and piety, from all misfortunes and troubles and vain deaths, through your intercession, delivering us, and protecting us from all enemies, visible and invisible. , for let us live a quiet and silent life in all piety and purity, and so in the world this temporary life has passed, we will achieve eternal peace, where by your holy prayer, may we be made worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom of Christ our God, to which, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, all glory is due , honor and worship forever and ever. Amen.

Troparion, tone 2

Having once been righteous in legal grace, Joachim and Anna gave birth to the God-given Child. Meanwhile, today the Divine Church brightly triumphs, merrily celebrating, honoring your memory, glorifying God, who raised the horn of salvation for us in the house of David.

Troparion of Saints, tone 2

We celebrate the memory of Thy righteous ones, O Lord; we pray to Thee, save our souls.

To the Prophet Zechariah and Righteous Elizabeth, parents of John the Baptist

These pious spouses also had no children until old age, and then, with the blessing of God, they gave birth to John the Baptist.

Troparion to the Holy Prophet Zechariah

The priesthood was clothed with wisdom, according to the law of God, you offered burnt offerings in a sacred manner, Zechariah, and you were a lamp and a spectator of secrets, bearing signs of grace in you clearly to all wisdom. And he was killed with a sword in the temple of God, the prophet of Christ, pray with the Forerunner for our souls to be saved.

Kontakion

Today the prophet and priest of the Most High, Zechariah, offer, the Forerunner parent, a meal of his memory, feeding faithfully, dissolving the drink of righteousness to everyone, for this sake he dies, like the Divine secret place of God’s grace.

To Rev. Roman

It is said about this saint: Through prayer, make many barren wives bear children. During his lifetime, this saint ate only bread, salt and water, and never used a lamp. During his lifetime, he healed the ailments of many. They pray to him for the resolution of childlessness.

Prayer to all saints and ethereal heavenly powers

Holy God and rest in the saints, glorified by the thrice-holy voice in heaven from Angels, praised on earth by man in His saints: having given grace to each by Thy Holy Spirit according to the bestowal of Christ, and by that ordaining Thy holy Church to be Apostles, prophets, and evangelists , you are shepherds and teachers, preaching in their own words. You yourself, who act all in all, have accomplished many holiness in every generation and generation, having pleased you with various virtues, and leaving us with an image of your good deeds, in the joy that has passed, prepare, in it the temptations themselves were, and help us who are attacked. Remembering all these saints and praising their godly lives, I praise You Himself, who acted in them, and believing in Your goodness, the gift of being, I diligently pray to You, Holy of Holies, grant to me a sinner to follow their teaching, moreover, by Your all-effective grace, heavenly ones with them be worthy of glory, praising the most holy your name, Father and Son and Holy Spirit forever. Amen.

Prayer to the Reverend

O sacred head, reverend father, blessed Abvo Roman, do not forget your poor to the end, but always remember us in holy and auspicious prayers to God: remember your flock, which you yourself shepherded, and do not forget to visit your children, pray for us, father sacred, for your spiritual children, as you have boldness towards the Heavenly King: do not keep silent to the Lord for us, and do not despise us, who honor you with faith and love: remember us unworthy at the Throne of the Almighty, and do not stop praying for us to Christ God, for You have been given the grace to pray for us. We do not imagine that you are dead: even though you have passed away from us in body, but remain alive even after death, do not depart from us in spirit, keeping us from the arrows of the enemy and all the charms of the demonic and the machinations of the devil, to our good shepherd even more than the relics your cancer is always visible before our eyes, but your holy soul with the angelic hosts, with the disembodied faces, with the heavenly powers, standing at the throne of the Almighty, worthily rejoices, knowing that you are truly alive even after death, we fall down to you and we pray to you: pray about us to the Almighty God, about the benefit of our souls, and ask us time for repentance, so that we may pass from earth to heaven without restraint, and from bitter ordeals, demons of air princes and from eternal torment, may we be delivered from eternal torment, and may we be heirs of the Heavenly Kingdom with all the righteous, from all eternity have pleased our Lord Jesus Christ: to Him belongs all glory, honor and worship, with His Father without beginning, and with His Most Holy and Good and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Troparion to the Saint, tone 8

In you, father, it is known that you were saved in the image of accepting the cross, following Christ, and teaching you to despise the flesh, so it comes: be diligent about souls, things that are immortal: in the same way your spirit rejoices with the Angels, Rev. Roman.

Kontakion to the Saint, tone 2

Having divinely armed yourself with spiritual purity, and having firmly handed over unceasing prayers like a copy, you prosecuted the demonic militia of Roman, pray unceasingly for all of us.

Greatness to the Reverend

We bless you, Rev. Father Roman, and honor your holy memory, mentor of monks and interlocutor of Angels.

First Martyr Evdokia

Women who cannot get pregnant pray to Saint Evdokia. Evdokia, having accepted Holy Baptism and renounced her wealth, pleased God with a strict fasting life and received the gift of miracles.

Troparion, tone 8

With the righteousness of your mind you have bound your soul into the love of Christ, the corruptible and red, and temporary oblivion, you have flown, like a disciple of the Word: with the polish of passion you have killed the first, you have put to shame the second enemy through suffering. Thus Christ grants you greater crowns, O glorious Evdokia, reverend passion-bearer, pray to Christ God to save our souls.

Infant Martyr John of Kiev-Pechersk

This baby, cut in half, is one of the babies of Bethlehem. Prayers before his grave help in resolving infertility.

Troparion to the Martyr, tone 4

Thy martyr, Lord John, in his suffering received an imperishable crown from You, our God, for having Thy strength, overthrow the tormentors, crush the demons of weak insolence, save our souls with your prayers.

Kontakion to the Martyr, tone 6

You have appeared as a bright star, the charmless one of the world, proclaiming the Sun of Christ with your dawns, passion-bearing John, and you have extinguished all the charm, giving us light, praying unceasingly for all of us.

Glorification of the martyr

We magnify you, passion-bearing Saint John, and honor your venerable suffering, who you endured for Christ.

Venerable Euthymius the Great

The Monk Euthymius lived in a deserted place, devoting himself entirely to the Lord, spending his time in work, abstinence and prayer, eating food only on Saturday and Sunday, and never slept lying down. The Lord rewarded His saint with the gift of miracles and clairvoyance. Through prayer, he brought rain down from the sky, healed the terminally ill, drove away demons, and foresaw the spiritual properties of people. They pray to him in marital infertility and in times of famine.

Kontakion, tone 8

In your honorable Christmas, the creature will find joy and in your Divine memory, reverend, complacency will accept your many miracles, from which grant richly into our souls and cleanse the sins of filth, as we sing: Alleluia.

Prophecies about the appearance of the Savior are very ancient. They were not fulfilled immediately; people waited for many centuries. Perhaps the righteous Joachim and Anna did not know that their daughter would become the mother of Jesus Christ. But they could certainly say that her birth was a miracle of God.

Most information about the saints can be found in the apocrypha - ancient written monuments, which, however, are not included in the general church canon. According to the Proto-Gospel of James, Joachim and Anna led decent life, but the Lord did not give them children. This served as a reason for reproaches to others, because It was believed that only sinful people do not have children. The couple was very upset; the lack of heirs was the only thing they lacked in life. They asked the Lord to give them offspring.

And then one day, while praying, an angel appeared to Joachim and Anna and announced that their prayers had been heard, Anna would soon give birth.

The example of Saints Joachim and Anna shows the importance of what kind of spiritual purity parents should have in order to pass it on to their children. It is no coincidence that this particular couple was chosen as parents Holy Mother of God. Why did the Lord leave them childless for so long? To show His power, capable of defeating human weakness and all the laws of nature.

Patience with childlessness should also be a model for modern spouses who various reasons no offspring are given. The righteous Joachim and Anna did not fall into despondency, did not turn to sorcerers, did not run to make sacrifices to idols - they prayed even more fervently, fasted and asked the Lord for the gift of children. And having received such a promise from the Angel, the parents decided to give their only consolation to the service of the Lord.

Iconography of Joachim and Anna

You can find both individual and joint images of Joachim and his wife. Icons where the couple is depicted together are usually illustrations from their lives, showing some of the moments described in the apocrypha.

• The meeting of the spouses after the good news was announced to them. Joachim and Anna in the icon are in the center of the composition. They hug each other, unable to contain their joy. Around there are scenes of previous and subsequent events: a meeting with an angel, the birth of Mary, her introduction into the temple, etc. The couple are depicted as quite young, although according to sources, they had been married for 50 years by that time.
• The holy couple are together, with young Mary between them. She is either in her mother’s arms, or seems to be floating in the air, holding the hands of both parents. It shows special role Mary, who differed from all other people in spiritual purity.
• There is an icon where St. Anna is depicted as pregnant, her husband stands nearby, pointing to the womb. Both are awaiting a blessed gift - a daughter who will receive a special destiny.

You can pray in front of any image that sets you up for communication with God. The one especially revered is located in the Conception Monastery in Moscow, where prayer services are regularly held for those who do not have children.

Churches in the name of Joachim and Anna

In Russia, churches are founded in honor of saints, one is located in Rostov-on-Don. Construction began on the initiative of parishioners, a site was allocated where today there is playground, Sunday School, a small temporary temple building (wooden). Construction of the stone temple of Joachim and Anna is underway. The main focus of the parishes is the education of Christian values ​​in children and youth.

In Jerusalem there was a house where the holy couple lived; a temple was erected on this site; it is not the only one in the Holy Land. The veneration of the righteous is very important in Christianity ancient tradition, in Russia it has been established since the 12th century. In the name of righteous Anna called many girls, in Europe she was revered as a healer from serious illnesses.

What do Joachim and Anna pray for?

Most often, people turn to Joachim and Anna with their requests for the gift of children. This is a difficult test of faith for many, because today’s people are not used to waiting patiently and hoping in God. But the holy fathers advise patience and prayer if you really want to raise a child. Over time, for most, the problem is resolved, and the long-awaited baby is conceived and born.

How to ask correctly? You can read the akathist to Joachim and Anna for several days. If desired, a blessing is taken, although this is not necessary, permission is not needed for prayer, God blesses everyone to turn to Him. There are also shorter prayers created in Orthodox Church for reading in holidays these saints. But you can read them at home any time, even every day.

Requests should not be too long - otherwise it becomes a demand, and this is in Orthodox tradition unacceptable. We read the daily rule, at the end we turned to the saints with a request - that’s enough. During such petitions, it is imperative to observe restraint in dealing with loved ones, you can fast on yourself (this is what you need to bless yourself for), come to confession and communion.

Prayer to the righteous saints Joachim and Anna

Oh, the blessed righteous women of Christ, the holy Godfathers Joachim and Anno, who stand before the heavenly Throne of the Great King and have great boldness towards Him, as from your Most Blessed Daughter, the Most Pure Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, who deigned to be incarnate, to you, as a powerful intercessor and zealous intercessors for us , we resort to sins and unworthiness. Pray for His goodness, that He may turn away His anger from us, righteously moved towards us by our deeds, and may, having despised our countless sins, turn us to the path of repentance and may He establish us on the path of His commandments. Also, with your prayers in the world, preserve our life and ask for all good haste, everything that we need from God for life and piety, freeing us from all misfortunes and troubles and vain deaths through your intercession, and protecting us from all enemies, visible and invisible, for let us live a quiet and silent life in all piety and purity, and so in the world this temporary life has passed, we will achieve eternal peace, where, through your holy prayer, may we be worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom of Christ our God, to Him, together with the Father and the Most Holy Spirit, befits all glory and honor and worship forever and ever. Amen.