Sts. Simeon and Anna are known to us as the elderly man and woman who were present in the Temple when Our Savior was brought there on the fortieth day after His Nativity, in accordance with Jewish law. Because of their great age, and because they are associated with the Patronal Feastday (HRAM) of the Presentation of Our Lord, Sts. Simeon and Anna are also the patron saints of our senior citizens fellowship group.
St. Simeon the Righteous
Righteous Simeon the God-Receiver was, according to the testimony of the holy Evangelist Luke, a just and devout man waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him (Luke 2:25). God promised him that he would not die until the promised Messiah, Christ the Lord, came into the world.
When the parents of Our Lord brought Him to the Temple on the fortieth day after His Nativity, Simeon was there. He blessed the All-Pure Virgin and St Joseph, and turning to the Mother of God he said, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against. Yea, a sword shall pierce through your own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:34-35).
For more about the Life of Saint Simeon, click here.
St. Anna the Prophetess
According to St Luke”s Gospel, Anna was a widow, about 84 years old. She, too, recognized the Savior when He was brought to the Temple.
Read Father Lawrence Farley”s article, “A cameo appearance: Anna the Prophetess”