Dormition of Saint Anna, Mother of the Most Holy God-bearer (Theotokos). Holy Women Olympiada and Eupraxia (5th c.).
Polyeleos Feast.
Galatians 4:22-31. Luke 8:16-21.
Read Galatians 4:22-31
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Dormition of St. Anna, the mother of the Virgin Mary. The epistle reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians sets forth Abraham’s two sons as examples: Ishmael, born of Hagar a slave woman, and Isaac, born of Sarah a free woman. Further, Paul aligns Hagar with Mt. Sinai in Arabia and the present Jerusalem and Sarah with the heavenly Jerusalem. He quotes from the Prophet Isaiah: “Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and shout, you who are not with labor pains; for the desolate has more children than she who has a husband” (Gal. 4:27; see Is. 54:1).
As we reflect today on St. Anna who gave birth to Mary in her old age from her once-barren womb, we also reflect on the “barrenness” that flows from faithlessness to the “fruitfulness” that flows from faith. The descendants of Abraham who are as numerous “as the stars of heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore” came through Isaac (Gen. 22:17). Paul explains: “Now we, brethren, like Issac, are children of the promise” (Gal. 4:28). We are children of Abraham and heirs of the promise God made to him for his faith.
St. Anna had faith that God would remove the shame of her barrenness and promised that she would dedicate her child to the Lord’s service if He granted her a child. Not only did God remove her barrenness, but the daughter He gave her was to be the mother of God incarnate. Her shame was erased and replaced with great joy. As we remember the falling asleep of St. Anna who God so richly blessed, let us also remember her faith and the faith of Abraham. God is faithful and keeps His promises.