The Departure of St . Anna (Hannah), the mother of the Theotokos

On this day, the pious and righteous St . Anna (Hannah), the mother of our Lady, the holyvirgin St . Mary, the Mother of God, departed . This holy woman was the daughter of Matthan, theson of Levi, the son of Melki, who was a descendant of Aaron the priest . Her mother's name wasMary (Mariam) and she was from the tribe of Judah .Matthan had three daughters . The first was called Mary after her mother, and she was the motherof Salome, the midwife . The second was Sophia, the mother of Elizabeth, the mother of St . Johnthe Baptist . The third was St . Anna (Hannah), the wife of the righteous man Joachim, who was ofthe tribe of Judah . She was the mother of our Lady, the holy virgin St . Mary, the Mother of theSavior of the world . That makes our Lady the Virgin St . Mary, Salome, and Elizabeth cousins .Although we know little about St . Anna, having been chosen to be the mother of the Mother ofGod in the flesh is an indication of her virtues and righteousness, which distinguished her fromother women to have this great grace .Because she was barren, she entreated God to take away her shame . So the Lord gave her adaughter that delighted her eyes and the eyes of all mankind; she is the Virgin St . Mary, theMother of the Savior of the world .Her intercession be for us all . Amen