The day after Mala Gospojina, the Orthodox Church dedicated to Joachim and Anne of Nazareth, the parents of the Most Holy Mother of God. Although the holiday is not marked with a red letter, these saints are exceptionally revered among the people.
Joachim and Anne were wealthy, yet modest and quiet people who gave much to the poor and to the church. They lived in marriage for fifty years, but without children.
According to the understanding at the time, people who did not have children were great sinners. However, they did not lose hope and faith, but prayed day and night for a miracle and a gift from God.
In the end, they pleaded with God for a child. The Lord sent them a heavenly angel to announce the birth of a “Most Blessed” daughter through whom all nations on earth shall be blessed and through whom salvation shall come to the world.”
When the time came, Anne brought into the world the Holy Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. Joachim lived to be 80, and Anne 79 years old.
This day, a favorite among our people, some families celebrate as a patron saint’s day, others as a vow day.
It has several names. It is called Jaćimana, Jaćimovdan or Ćimijana, from the folk names Aćim and Ana.
In memory of the holy elders, today one should give a gift to someone who has less than us, modestly, with humility and without pride, as if we were giving a gift to Christ, and not to a beggar, considering the one to whom alms are given as better than ourselves.
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Source: RTS, Foto: Wikimedia Creative Commons