Orthodox icon | Saints Anna, Alexander Newski, Paul of Thebes and Bassa of Edessa | 24807

Saint Anna (or Hanna) was the daughter of Penuël and married at the age of 14. Her husband died after seven years of marriage, after which she lived in the temple in Jerusalem as a prophetess. Like Simeon, she met the 40-day-old Baby Jesus at the age of 84 when he was presented in the temple. Her feast day is August 28 and during the solemnity of the Presentation of Jesus in the temple.

Saint Prince Alexander Newski was Prince of Novgorod, Grand Prince of Kiev and Vladimir-Suzdal and was considered a miracle worker. He is venerated as a saint in the Russian Orthodox Church because of his achievements as a ruler; after his bones had been found in 1380, he was canonized at the synod of 1547. His feast day is November 14.

Saint Paul of Thebes came from a very wealthy Upper Egyptian family. In the persecution under Emperor Decius, he was denounced by his brother-in-law, who wanted to appropriate his property, and retired to the solitude of the desert near Thebes – now ruins near Al Uqsur. He then allegedly lived as a hermit in a rock cave for 90 years. Paul is considered to be the originator of the hermit life. The news about him comes exclusively from Hieronymus, who wrote his life story around 376. His feast day is January 15.

The Saint Martyr Bassa (Vassa) of Edessa was martyred along with her sons Theogenios, Agapios and Pistos during the reign of Galerius. Her feast day is August 21.

Christ blessing above.