Orthodox icon | Saints Anna, Alexander, Paul & Bassa | 24807

Orthodox icon | Saints Anna, Alexander, Paul & Bassa | 24807.

Saint Anna

Saint Anna (or Hanna), the daughter of Penuël, married at 14. However, seven years later, tragedy struck when her husband died. Instead of wallowing in grief, Anna channeled her energy into serving as a prophetess in the Jerusalem temple. At 84, she, alongside Simeon, experienced the divine moment of meeting the 40-day-old Baby Jesus during His temple presentation. Every August 28, believers honor Saint Anna’s feast day, marking the Presentation of Jesus in the temple.

Saint Alexander Nevsky

Saint Prince Alexander Nevsky stands out in Russian history as the Prince of Novgorod, and later, the Grand Prince of Kiev and Vladimir-Suzdal. Not just an accomplished ruler, his pious life earned him the title of a miracle worker. The 1547 synod canonized him after unearthing his relics in 1380. His feast day falls on November 14.

Saint Paul of Thebes

Born to affluence in Upper Egypt, Saint Paul of Thebes saw betrayal from his brother-in-law during Emperor Decius’s persecution. To find peace, he fled to the desolate wilderness near present-day Al Uqsur. Reports say he lived 90 years as a hermit in a rocky cave, establishing him as a hermitic life pioneer. Saint Jerome documented his life in a biography around 376. People remember and honor Saint Paul on January 15.

Saint Martyr Bassa

Saint Martyr Bassa (Vassa) of Edessa and her sons, Theogenios, Agapios, and Pistos, met a tragic end during Galerius’s rule. Their unwavering Christian faith sealed their fate. Their sacrifice and faith are remembered every year on August 21.

Above all, Christ blesses this sacred icon, representing His divine presence and grace.

Source: Orthodox icon | Saints Anna, Alexander, Paul & Bassa | 24807 © Ikonen Mautner. Typing errors, other errors or changes reserved. For more information: “Das Synaxarion. Die Leben der Heiligen der Orthodoxen Kirche.” (http://www.prodromos-verlag.de/buecher.html) and Joachim Schäfer: Das Ökumenische Heiligenlexikon – https://www.heiligenlexikon.de